In regards to ODU I think the Monarchs have numerous players who have the potential to breakout in 2011...
On offense...
Running backs
Colby Goodwyn and
Angus Harper - Harper was sidelined the whole 2010 season and was forced to redshirt in his freshman season. He showed glimpses this spring of the type of power runner he can be. As time goes on and he matures he has the potential to be a great player for the Monarchs. Goodwyn was the guy who tookover and played as a true freshman to replace the loss of Harper. He set records as a kickoff returner and one of his notable performances was against Cal Poly. He also had a critical TD run against WM. However, I believed he missed most of the 2nd half of the season due to injury. I think its safe to say he will only get better as time goes on. Goodwyn was critical on special teams and at times on offense and people actually think Harper might be the better running back.
Along the offensive line I think it has to be
David Born. A JUCO transfer who arrived in Norfolk this past January he is at the top of the depth chart right away. He is a monster of a man at 6'8" and around 330 pounds and I believe he is only a redshirt freshman.
He originally committed to Sacramento State before transferring to Bakersfield. He also had other offers from FBS schools such as UTEP, Idaho, Missouri, UCLA and USC.
In regards to Wide Recievers we have tremendous depth...we already have
Reid Evans and
Prentice Gill but a possible sleeper is
Antonio Vaughan. He has showed tremednous potential for his size. In fact here is an article talking about him in today's virginian pilot...
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/04/redshir ... ition-swap" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Gill and Evans were the two leading recievers for the Monarchs last season.
On defense....
Along the defensive line we have CAA veteran
Ronnie Cameron from Hofstra. I think his experience alone will help not only the defense but the whole team as whole.
Eddie McClam (record set in block PAT's/FG's in '09),
Chad King,
Chris Burnette and others have already established themselves as talented defensive lineman. I wouldn't be surprised if
Nate Barnes has a breakout season as he was noticed to have grown the most throughout last year's offseason.
Linebackers,
Craig Wilkins has already established himself among the the position. I think
Michael Colbert (INT today in the spring game) will be another leader on the defensive side along with
JJ Williams who had to sit out most of last season with injuries.
Among the defensive backs, possibly
Paul Morant. He might be the best overall athlete on the team so again I wouldn't be surprised if he has a breakout season. I think he will also be one our KO and Punt returners in 2011 with the departure of Montey Smalley. I think the leader among the group will be
Carvin Powell. He had a nice hit today in the spring game as well as a INT in one of the other open scrimmages. However, this might be the weakest part of our team.
In terms of specialists, no surprise in all-american punter
John Plisco. Expect him to be leading the country once again in punt yard average.
Jarod Brown will be our placekicker. He has struggled most of this spring but when he isn't struggling I believe he can hit from anywhere. I think at the spring game today he was consistently hitting field goals from around mid-field. He is also a transfer from West Virginia.
