OVERVIEW: It’s still way too early to start thinking about hosting the Conference USA championship game, but the Knights did start the process to turn the corner after 2006’s 4-8 finish. The defense looked good with some new additions and youngsters making the statement that they are going to challenge for playing time. The offense still needs work. Senior Kyle Israel clearly has the knowledge to play quarterback, but his decision-making wasn’t always at its best. It will be interesting to see how he uses the summer months to correct his spring deficiencies.
NO PROBLEMS HERE: OL: The line was bursting with experience last season, but overall was a disappointment. Senior RT Josh Sitton is leading a group of four veterans looking to turn the corner. . . . DL: The line lost its leader when E Chris Welsh graduated, but it has bulked up and made a lot of progress. LT Torrell Johnson looked good. . . . RB: Starting TB Kevin Smith and FB Shane Smith didn’t participate in contact because of tender shoulders. But Kevin Smith looked as quick as ever when he did work out and sophomore Phillip Smith looks poised to provide a spark as his understudy.
UH-OH: K: The kicking game could be an adventure again this year. Incumbent senior Mike Torres has been inconsistent, and though junior Jake Howard may help solve the kickoff woes of last season, he might not be the answer if Torres struggles. . . . LB: They’ve had their moments, but as a group, the linebackers remain a step slow. Look for the staff to give freshmen some looks or move other players around in the fall.
SPRING SURPRISES: It starts with the instant jolt provided by true freshman DB Darin Baldwin, an early enrollee. He put himself in a position to see a lot of action in a secondary that was torched a year ago. . . . Redshirt freshmen WRs Jamar Newsome and Jevaughn Reams put some heat on veterans such as Javid James, who had been penciled in on the top of the depth chart pre-spring.
BURIED ON THE DEPTH CHART: Following Baldwin’s stellar spring, it may be hard for fifth-year senior DB Marlon Williams to get on the field. The same is true for WR Willie Thornton.
