Team MVP:
What makes
the Tigers offense go is running back Cadillac Williams. Williams
is one of the best backs in the country and assuming he can stay
healthy, he should make a run at the Heisman trophy. Last season,
he rushed for 1,307 yards and 17 touchdowns. His strong running
helps to open up the passing game for Jason Campbell.
Quarterback: The key
to the offense will be quarterback Jason Campbell. The running
game is going to be solid, but to prevent defenses from stacking
up against them, Campbell needs to prove he can throw effectively.
Although he gets a lot of criticism, the senior does have a solid
61.8 completion percentage. The offense is going to run the west
coast offense this season and that should help him in the short to
intermediate passing game.
Running Back/Fullbacks: With
the one-two punch of Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown returning
to carry the load on offense, this unit can only continue to get
better. Brown is the second back on the team, but can be a number
one starter on most other teams. Look for both backs to have good
seasons and Williams should make a top ten finish in the Heisman
race.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Although
this unit doesn’t have one true go-to threat, the potential is
there for a solid season from this unit. Courtney Taylor, Silas
Daniels, Ben Obomanu and Devin Aromashodu are all quality
receivers. Taylor is the top receiver after he caught 34 passes
last season. Quarterback Jason Campbell only threw ten touchdown
passes last season and that should change this season. The offense
is going to switch to a west coast offense and that should give
the receivers more chances to make plays.
Offensive Line: With a
strong running game, the offensive line plays a key role in
opening holes. The line returns three starters and should continue
to play solid. Also, some players on the line may play at new
positions in 2004 to get the best possible line out. With more
passing expected in the west coast offense, improving pass
protection will be key.
Defensive Line: Losing
three starters is a concern for the Tigers. DeMarco McNeil and
Reggie Torbor were forces off the edge and will be missed. Bret
Eddins is the lone starter returning and he must become a better
player for the team. Jay Ratliff, T.J. Jackson and Stanley
McClover are expected to start along the line in 2004. With a
solid secondary, the line won’t be forced to produce right away
to protect them. Look for them to gradually get better during the
season.
Linebackers: Losing
Karlos Dansby and Dontarrious Thomas puts a big void in the
defense. Both players were tremendous players and were sure
tacklers. Travis Williams tallied 67 tackles last season and will
be the top returning tackler in 2004. Add in Derrcik Graves and
Kevin Sears and that will likely be the starting linebackers in
2004. Williams is a strong player, but Sears and Graves must step
up right away. There is talent here, just needs experience.
Secondary: With three
starters returning from last season, the secondary looks like it
will be solid. Cornerback Carlos Rogers could be an All-SEC
performer this season and Junior Rosegreen is definitely worthy of
All-SEC honors. Will Herring is expected to start at free safety,
while Montavis Pitts, Kevin Hobbs and Davis Irons will battle for
the second corner spot. Look for the secondary to be tough against
the pass in 2004.
Special Teams: Philip
Yost and John Vaughn are battling it out for the starting kicking
job. Yost connected on 5-9 field goals last season and has a
strong leg, as he nailed a 57 yarder. At punter, Kody Bliss
averaged 42.9 yards a punt last season. If a kicker can emerge,
the Tigers should have no concerns about their special teams.
Final Thoughts:
Expectations were high last season, but the Tigers fell short as
they finished a disappointing 8-5. Losing to USC and Georgia Tech
killed any momentum that they could build going into conference
play. Now that the buzz has gone away from a National Championship
possibility, the Tigers should play better. They will begin the
season second in the SEC West predictions behind LSU, but will
host them in the third game on the schedule. Look for the offense
to give Jason Campbell every opportunity to be effective and the
running game will be a key part of opening the offense up. He just
needs to play within himself and he should be an efficient
quarterback. The Tigers will be bowling again and will be a tough
opponent for everyone this season.
