Ready to Breakout: Offense

Every team relies on younger players to step up and perform.  Three years ago it was Zach Lujan and Jake Wieneke against Missouri.  Two years ago it was Dallas Goedert against Southern Utah.  Last season it was Christian Rozeboom, Kellen Soulek and Charlie Harmon emerging to have great seasons.  This year we KNOW someone will make a big jump and raise their play to a new level.

Here are my guesses as to whom that might be for the offense after observing a number of practices.

Adam Anderso (Photo Courtesy of Matt Holland)

• #80 Adam Anderson has returned from an injury he suffered in the middle of last season for his sophomore year.  It isn't a stretch to say he looks like the best wide receiver not named Jake Wieneke in camp.  He runs precise routes, has wiggle, and seems to catch everything.  He's catching short passes, passes across the middle, and deep passes.  Look for a big year from Anderson with defenses focused on stopping Wieneke and Goedert.

• #15 Cade Johnson is a red-shirt freshman and the Jacks may look to deploy him as a Swiss-Army knife.  He's been returning punts, kicks, lining up in the slot, and on the outside.  The Jacks want to get the ball in his hands because of how dynamic he is.  Watch for his quickness to be a game changer this fall.

• #77 Wes Genant played as a true freshman last year at right tackle.  This year he has been working at right guard and it appears to suit him very well.  Coach Eck has asked Genant multiple times to demonstrate the move, steps, or technique that he wants the linemen to use on a specific drill.  To me, this shows that Genant is technically sound and can be relied upon.  He has also gotten stronger and has shown great intelligence to pick up the playbook so quickly as a true freshman last year.  

•  #83 Kallan Hart is a sophomore who is filling the role of the blocking tight end.  Hart is a hard- nosed and physical player who is a great blocker.  The Jacks have a strong tradition of having this physical tight end who can open up huge running lanes for the running back.  Hart is right in line with that. However, he has also displayed soft hands in practice and the ability to get open and make plays.

•  #43 Skyler Cavanaugh is a true freshman from Arizona that has been running as the third team tight end.  Cavanaugh was a standout high school volleyball player and state champion wrestler.  He's athletic and has found a way to get open and catch passes in practice.  He also isn't afraid to get in there and block even if his technique and form still need polishing.  If Goedert needs a break after a long catch and run, Cavanaugh will be a capable back-up.

This list isn't the end-all-be-all.  There are lots of other players who could have easily been on this list.  It will be exciting to watch each players performance as the season moves along.   Tomorrow we will take a look at the breakout candidates for the defensive side of the ball.

Go Jacks!
-Matt