I am somewhat more concerned about Strong's recruiting for a few reasons.

1. Taggart had a reputation of gunning hard for top recruits, even if he didn't get them in the end. That's how we ended up with guys like Marlon Mack and D'Earnest Johnson, both of whom picked us over ACC schools. Same with a number of other players. Flowers came here because CWT promised him a shot at QB-we know the result now. Strong is more conservative in that regard and perhaps isn't aggressive in going after those top guys. Will he get some? Yes, and he already has. But he's a "build up the trenches, then get the outside guys to match". The 50 HB dives a game didn't help matters-a lot of square-plug round hole type of stuff.

2. Sterlin Gilbert's playcalling is highly questionable. I figured a Briles disciple would hit what was working every single play. The players we have on O are experienced and have a strong understanding of the game and the system-yet he told them off in spring because they wanted to hit passes (because players were constantly open) but he insisted on the power run game "because they fumbled too much". That shows a lack of trust in your players.

That said it's not all bad news. We have two returning DT who both played last year (and did reasonably well). We have plenty of depth along the DL. Both Brett Kean and Chris Oladukon have a year of experience in this system. We have two incredible WRs in Salomon and McCants, plus a returning fifth year senior in Ryeshene Bronson.

If BK or CO end up being a revelation I think we'll be right back in the thick of the East division race. Beating GT and UCF at home will be vital.