Quarterbacks:
The battle for the starting quarterback job looks to be a duel between Louisville recruit Emanuel Francis (pictured) of Godby High in Tallahassee, Fla., and 6-foot-5, 200-pound signal caller Jamie Childers of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Francis is a very talented and athletic quarterback, while Childers is more of a pocket style passer. Former Shreveport, La., standout Andrew Calantone will provide depth.
Running Backs:
There’s no replacing Keiland Williams, but a number of prospects will try. Randell Bell of College Park, Ga., H.B. Banjoman (pictured) of Front Royal, Va., Carter Sharpe of Fayetteville, N.C., and Ricky Parker of Corona, N.Y. In a crunch you could see Tennessee recruit Brent Vinson possibly get some reps.
Wide Receiver:
Peach County and head coach Rance Gillespie develop offensive weapons and Auburn commit Chris Slaughter (pictured) is no exception. Slaughter and Vinson look like the go-to guys early in camp. A pair of Maryland recruits Quintin McCree and Ronnie Tyler could push for time. The hidden gem of this group could be uber athlete Ben Finney from Portsmouth, Va., Finney is in outstanding shape and has great size at 6-4 and 215 pounds. Another potential playmaker may be Livington Senatus from Miami, Fla., Senatus is another large target at 6-4 and 200 pounds. Deeper down on the depth chart is another 6-4, 200 pounder in Robert White from Peabody High in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Tight End:
Depending on how things shake out on defense will play a big role in dictating who plays tight end. Houston, Texas native Jatrel Rollins at 6-5 and 240 pounds could play a role at both end spots. One player who really caught our eye was Jon Simpson from Suffolk, Va., Simpson will likely play defense, but in a pinch he could see time of offense. Garrett Utt (pictured) of Atlanta, Ga., will also see a lot of time. Utt holds an offer from Duke.
Offensive Line:
There are colleges who would love to have a line like Coach Prunty’s this year. Georgia commitments Justin Anderson, 6-5, 320 pounds and Ben Harden, 6-4, 290 pounds will make up two fifths of this unit. Florida State commit Zach Hillery, 6-4, 315 pounds from Winter Springs High in Sanford, Fla., and Maryland pledge Bruce Campbell, 6-7, 275 pounds will also hold spots among this mammoth group. The hidden gem is Illinois commitment Craig Wilson, 6-5 and 300 pounds. Wilson (pictured) who played his high school ball at Thornton High in Harvey, Ill., showed exceptional footwork in practice and is a brute force. Two wildcards will be Michael Phillips, 6-2, 290 pounds from Cary, N.C. and Ryan Tillman, 6-4, 260 pounds from Westfield High in Centerville, Va. Both are undersized, but they have great feet and continue to get better. Another potential starter on the offensive line will be Virginia commit Billy Cuffee, 6-5, 300 pounds, from Chesapeake, Va.
Defensive Line:
Not very many teams can throw a pair of 6-foot-7 defensive ends at you, Hargrave Military Academy can. Georgia commit Clifton Geathers (pictured), 6-7, 290 pounds from Georgetown, S.C and Bruce Campbell from Hyde Leadership in Hamden, Conn., Texas Tech pledge Jon Hollins, 6-3, 265 pounds works as hard as anyone and will get some action somewhere on the defensive front. The Baton Rouge, La., native was impressive this week. Plano, Texas native Shane Shead, 6-5, 225 pounds looks the part. Louisville pledge Kareem Crowell, 6-4, 320 pounds is trying to earn one of the defensive tackle spots as is Virgina Tech commit Ladi Ajiboye, 6-4 and 290 pounds. Ajiboye was being held out of practice for medical reasons.
Linebacker:
Almondo Sewell (pictured) doesn’t say much, but he lets his actions speak for him. No matter if its in the weight room or the practice field he will be one of the hardest workers on the team. The 6-0, 230 pound linebacker has pledged his services to Virginia and the Trenton, N.J. standout will be welcomed with open arms by Al Groh and the Cavaliers staff. Another prospect who looks good enough to play anywhere in the country is Jasper Brooks, 6-4, 225 pounds from Atlanta, Ga. Jon Simpson who we mentioned earlier could also play a role at linebacker. Hawaii native Russ Wantowski, 6-2, 215 pounds could also play a big role for the Tigers.
Defensive Backs:
Clemson recruit DeAndre McDaniel (pictured) has looked as good as advertised and could play corner or safety. Kentucky recruit Chris Drayton is an exceptional athlete at 6-0, 200 pounds he is built like a linebacker and can cover like a defensive back. Kendall Burton of Stone Mountain, Ga., is another player who can play on either side of the ball. Ohio native Jerel Leak could play a role in the Tigers secondary. Hagerstown, Md. Native Gerald Price may not possess ideal size, but he is tough as nails.