With the last padded practice of fall camp for the Bobcats in the books, it’s time to break down what we’ve learned about each offensive position over the last 14 practices.
Quarterbacks:
This is the most anticipated position matchup of fall camp, even before a monkey wrench was tossed in this week.
Memphis quarterback Brady McBride announced on Twitter his intentions to transfer to Texas State after reportedly entering the transfer portal just a few days earlier. McBride, a redshirt freshman from Coppell high school, is waiting for a decision from the NCAA on whether he can get a hardship waiver to be eligible this season or if he has to sit out for a year in congruence with transfer bylaws. Even if the waiver is approved, it is unlikely McBride will start the opener at Texas A&M on August 29.
Texas State coach Jake Spavital made the speculation game a little easier on Tuesday by saying the quarterback competition is down to two: junior Gresch Jensen and sophomore Tyler Vitt. Jensen has more familiarity with the new staff having played for offensive coordinator and primary play caller Bob Stitt at Montana, but Vitt has familiarity with the roster with five starts under center last season. They have similar sizes and arm strength in the pocket but their styles are different. Jensen is more of a steady game manager while Vitt is a gunslinger that can make the big play but can also cause a costly turnover. With just under two weeks away from the start of the season, it is still a true competition for the starting position.
Running Backs:
With questions at quarterback, the Bobcats may have to rely heavily on the run offense to score this season. Luckily, they have a three-headed monster to take on that task with senior Anthony D. Taylor, and juniors Jaylin Nelson and Caleb Twyford.
Taylor will be the feature back again this year and could see an uptick in touches. He has breakaway speed but can also be a battering ram in blocking and running at 210 pounds. Nelson has similar size and abilities at 200 pounds despite being three inches shorter at 5’8”. Twyford seems to be the fastest of the bunch and is a solid receiver out of the backfield having played slot receiver for the Bobcats in the past. These running backs paired with a revamped offensive line will make the running game the strongest part of the offense this season.
Receivers:
This is a talented group with depth but one that was an area of concern for the coaching staff at the beginning of camp. Introducing new routes with stricter focus on footing has been an uphill battle, but something they’ve focused on all of fall camp.
Seniors Hutch White and Mason Hays roles have steadily increased the last couple of years, and they will be heavily featured this season as well, specifically White who could be considered the No. 1 receiver. While White and Hays are solid possession receivers, players like junior Jeremiah Haydel and sophomore TJ Graham can peel the top off the defense with deep routes. Jah’Marae “K. Dot” Sheread will be in the rotation in the slot as well and could even work his way into the starting lineup. K. Dot is considered by many as the fastest player on the team, running in the “high 4.3’s” forty.
Tight Ends:
An interesting occurrence that happens when a new staff comes in is that everyone starts out on equal ground with no past frame of reference as to who should be where on the depth chart.
This occurrence has benefited sophomore tight end Hunter Hebert, a walk-on, as he has been the primary tight end in spring and fall camp. He isn’t the best route runner, but he is an effective enough pass catcher and blocker to rise above the current group.
Beneath Hebert has been a fluid situation with competition between redshirt freshmen Seth Caillouet and Blake Aragon, and senior Brendon Rushing. True freshman Micah Hilts has also been in the mix and has made some exciting plays in scrimmages, but he is still adjusting to the transition from high school receiver to collegiate tight end.
While the players listed underneath Hebert might be considered better pass-catchers, Hebert adds a blocking element to the position that is crucial for this offense’s identity. It is a young group, but they have a lot of upside.
Offensive Line:
What might be the surprise of the camp has been the consistency of the offensive line.
The first unit seems to be solidified with sophomore Tanner King at left tackle, junior Eddie Rivas at left guard, junior Reece Jordan at center, sophomore Tate Heitmeier at right guard and senior Aaron Brewer at right tackle. A starting lineup with an average weight of 292.6 and height of 6’4”should do well in the Sun Belt. Not to mention, just one senior so four of five are on track to return next season.
With a mix of youth, experience, and size throughout the rest of the offensive line depth chart, things are trending up in the trenches for Texas State for the first time in a while.
Thanks for the previews Keff!