This is totally my opinion and excited to hear everyones thoughts. I am basing this strictly on where i see ULM specific to my realistic expectations in year 1. This isnt what i grade them at in comparison to other teams nor where i think they should be as a program.
OFFENSE - (D+)
I thought we would struggle some to have uniformity within the group as a whole. We have struggled more than expected. Skills positions are a little hard to grade due to the inconsistencies of the Offensive Line. We must recruit/bring in speed. This will help the front as well. Works together.
QB- (C)
Rhett seemed to be getting his footing a bit before injury. I am high on the potential of CR. Wouldnt mind seeing Jiya as well. Originally had this a little lower but i do believe in the POTENTIAL for CR.
RB - (C)
A little disappointed in this group as whole. Was expecting some big things out of Roach. Henry stepped it up for a game. Havent been too impressed with making people miss in the open field for this group. Once again are they getting a fair shake with limited running room. They do catch the ball fairly well out of the back field.
WR - (C-)
Boogie has been a nice addition. He does some nice things in the slot. Jackson has started to receive a fair chunk of the production. Sparks is a good underneath option. We lack overall play making ability. Can make the routine play, however nobody currently that can take a short one 60. Definitely need someone on the outside to stretch the field.
TE - (D)
Im counting 1 reception from the TE position. I know RR hasnt used TEs very much in the past but this is pretty much a dead position from a receiving stand point. I have watched them very much in the run game. I know early in the season it was very good. They few times ive watched they are doing enough to get in the way. Thats about it.
OL- (D-)
I really thought with the additions we would be drastically improved here. I understand they need time to work together and this is a grade that may not be fair. Alot of shuffling pieces in and out. We have not been able to create any type of push or creases at line of scrimmage. Our Qbs have taken several hits in the passing game. This seems like a very negative review but this is where we are at. I would anticipate this being the biggest area of improvement throughout season into next. Who steps up...
DEFENSE - (B-)
This was way higher going into game 4. We had a bit of reality check in the last two games. Two quality opponents on the offensive side of the ball. We are just not there yet. We have a good one in Alley and am excited about the direction on this side of the ball.
DL - (B-)
Shelby has had a tremendous year. Ive seen them play more gap sound than in past years. Overall still lack of talent in this area. They are playing hard and based off past expectations i think they have done an adequate job as a unit based off of my expectations.
LB - (B-)
My expecations were through the roof for this unit. They have played well. They have some talent here. I like the transfers and have produced when on the field. Webster seems to always be around the ball. Still may be the best unit on the team but getting gashed back to back weeks and not being able to get off blocks is a little concerning.
CB - (B)
Overall they have played well. Sparks/Williams/Newton have been the usuals. They have done a good job at times playing the ball and breaking up passes. I love that they are physical and will come up in the run game and make tackles. The reason this isnt higher is there have been about 4-5 plays this year where we have been beat bad over the top. Ill take physical and challenging wrs all day even if it costs us over the top time to time.
Safeties (B-)
I havent noticed them a ton. Thats a good thing i suppose as they generally are the last line of defense. From what ive seen they are fairly physical as well. Made a nice pick at Kentucky. Jabari Johnson and Tavier Williams seem to be pretty solid options. Once again i didnt have high expectations from this group coming into the year. I have been pleasantly surprised i havent seen the back of their jerseys per say on a consistent basis.
SPECIAL TEAMS (A-)
This was an A+ until the blocked punt at Coastal. That can not under any circumstance ever happen. Outside of that they have been absolutely sound. I am so impressed. As everyone can attest to im sure the expectations for this unit being a ULM fan were very low
Kicker (A)
Sutherland has a few misses but overall we have kicker i feel good about. When we run the kicker out for a fg i truly feel its going through the uprights. Big leg and certainly helps he can put kickoffs through the endzone. That helps in not giving up the big play in return game.
Punter (B)
McCormick has done a great job up to this point. Done well in downing balls inside the 20 when he has had opportunities. I think he has a solid leg, not huge but once again significantly improved the kicking game as a whole.
OFFENSE - (D+)
I thought we would struggle some to have uniformity within the group as a whole. We have struggled more than expected. Skills positions are a little hard to grade due to the inconsistencies of the Offensive Line. We must recruit/bring in speed. This will help the front as well. Works together.
QB- (C)
Rhett seemed to be getting his footing a bit before injury. I am high on the potential of CR. Wouldnt mind seeing Jiya as well. Originally had this a little lower but i do believe in the POTENTIAL for CR.
RB - (C)
A little disappointed in this group as whole. Was expecting some big things out of Roach. Henry stepped it up for a game. Havent been too impressed with making people miss in the open field for this group. Once again are they getting a fair shake with limited running room. They do catch the ball fairly well out of the back field.
WR - (C-)
Boogie has been a nice addition. He does some nice things in the slot. Jackson has started to receive a fair chunk of the production. Sparks is a good underneath option. We lack overall play making ability. Can make the routine play, however nobody currently that can take a short one 60. Definitely need someone on the outside to stretch the field.
TE - (D)
Im counting 1 reception from the TE position. I know RR hasnt used TEs very much in the past but this is pretty much a dead position from a receiving stand point. I have watched them very much in the run game. I know early in the season it was very good. They few times ive watched they are doing enough to get in the way. Thats about it.
OL- (D-)
I really thought with the additions we would be drastically improved here. I understand they need time to work together and this is a grade that may not be fair. Alot of shuffling pieces in and out. We have not been able to create any type of push or creases at line of scrimmage. Our Qbs have taken several hits in the passing game. This seems like a very negative review but this is where we are at. I would anticipate this being the biggest area of improvement throughout season into next. Who steps up...
DEFENSE - (B-)
This was way higher going into game 4. We had a bit of reality check in the last two games. Two quality opponents on the offensive side of the ball. We are just not there yet. We have a good one in Alley and am excited about the direction on this side of the ball.
DL - (B-)
Shelby has had a tremendous year. Ive seen them play more gap sound than in past years. Overall still lack of talent in this area. They are playing hard and based off past expectations i think they have done an adequate job as a unit based off of my expectations.
LB - (B-)
My expecations were through the roof for this unit. They have played well. They have some talent here. I like the transfers and have produced when on the field. Webster seems to always be around the ball. Still may be the best unit on the team but getting gashed back to back weeks and not being able to get off blocks is a little concerning.
CB - (B)
Overall they have played well. Sparks/Williams/Newton have been the usuals. They have done a good job at times playing the ball and breaking up passes. I love that they are physical and will come up in the run game and make tackles. The reason this isnt higher is there have been about 4-5 plays this year where we have been beat bad over the top. Ill take physical and challenging wrs all day even if it costs us over the top time to time.
Safeties (B-)
I havent noticed them a ton. Thats a good thing i suppose as they generally are the last line of defense. From what ive seen they are fairly physical as well. Made a nice pick at Kentucky. Jabari Johnson and Tavier Williams seem to be pretty solid options. Once again i didnt have high expectations from this group coming into the year. I have been pleasantly surprised i havent seen the back of their jerseys per say on a consistent basis.
SPECIAL TEAMS (A-)
This was an A+ until the blocked punt at Coastal. That can not under any circumstance ever happen. Outside of that they have been absolutely sound. I am so impressed. As everyone can attest to im sure the expectations for this unit being a ULM fan were very low
Kicker (A)
Sutherland has a few misses but overall we have kicker i feel good about. When we run the kicker out for a fg i truly feel its going through the uprights. Big leg and certainly helps he can put kickoffs through the endzone. That helps in not giving up the big play in return game.
Punter (B)
McCormick has done a great job up to this point. Done well in downing balls inside the 20 when he has had opportunities. I think he has a solid leg, not huge but once again significantly improved the kicking game as a whole.