I think we are far enough into the season to start to evaluate & compare this year’s team to last year’s. Jeremiah Smith just went on record saying he believes this year’s team is more talented. Let’s see!
RUNNING BACKS
LAST YEAR: TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins
THIS YEAR: Bo Jackson, CJ Donaldson, James Peoples
DECISION: This one pretty clearly goes to the National Champs. Love Bo’s upside though.
WIDE RECEIVERS
LAST YEAR: Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate
THIS YEAR: Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss
DECISION: CONTROVERSY!!! I would take 2025 Tate over 2024 Mek right now. Jeremiah is even better this year than he was last year (as to be expected). The real question for me falls on WR3, and whether Inniss’ targets getting siphoned by an improved Tight End group is an exception. I’ll give the nod to ‘24, but I think it’s really, really close.
TIGHT ENDS
LAST YEAR: Will Kacmarek, Gee Scott, Jelani Thurman
THIS YEAR: Max Klare, Will Kacmarek, Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman
DECISION: This year’s crop is clearly better than last year’s. Kacmarek is better this season, and Klare may end up being an absolute star.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LAST YEAR: Josh Simmons, Donovan Jackson, Seth McLaughlin, Carson Hinzman, Josh Fryar, Luke Montgomery, Austin Siereveld, Tegra Tsabola
THIS YEAR: Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Tegra Tsabola, Ethan Onianwa, Phillip Daniels
DECISION: Replace two 1st Rounders & four NFL players total? Challenge accepted. This is the one that could be very different by the end of the season as the unit continues to gel, but the fact that there is a debate is testament to how good they could be. Right now, I have ‘24s line winning but will be very happy if it’s not clearcut come the offseason.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
LAST YEAR: Tyliek Williams, Ty Hamilton, Kayden McDonald, Tywone Malone
THIS YEAR: Kayden McDonald, Tywone Malone, Eddrick Houston, Will Smith Jr
DECISION: If I had told you in September that this year’s defensive tackles would be as good as they are you would have called me crazy. Last year’s group was still better, but this unit is not our weakness.
END/EDGE
LAST YEAR: Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau, Cayden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson
THIS YEAR: Cayden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson, Beau Atkinson
DECISION: Jack & JT were really damn good, but Cayden & Kenyatta are much better playing disciplined football and staying in their lanes. They are sacrificing sacks to hold their edge, and yet they’re still getting sacks! I’m calling it. Maybe it’s just a better scheme, but I’ve been so impressed with our edge play this year. If you consider Arvell Reese as an edge the gap widens further. 2025 wins.
LINEBACKERS
LAST YEAR: Cody Simon, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese
THIS YEAR: Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Payton Pierce
DECISION: I loved Cody & he was integral to our championship run. Arvell is just different this year. He’s an absolute superstar. Also, Sonny is even better this season. I give it to ‘25.
CORNERBACK
LAST YEAR: Denzel Burke, Davidson Igbinosun, Jermaine Matthews, Aaron Scott Jr
THIS YEAR: Davidson Igbinosun, Jermaine Matthews, Aaron Scott, Devin Sanchez
DECISION: Iggy is still handsy, but getting better. Matthews is lock down whether outside or in the slot. Scott & Sanchez are a bright future. Burke was good. This year’s unit is great.
SAFETY
LAST YEAR: Caleb Downs, Lathan Ransom, Jordan Hancock
THIS YEAR: Caleb Downs, Jaylen McClain, Lorenzo Styles Jr
DECISION: I think we are seeing an even better version of Caleb right now and he was amazing last year. I’d go Ransom over McClain. Zo has played really well this year when healthy. Hancock was probably better, but it’s closer than expected. Last year wins by a hair.
SPECIAL TEAMS
LAST YEAR: Jayden Fielding, Joe McGuire, John Ferlmann
THIS YEAR: Jayden Fielding, Joe McGuire, John Ferlmann
DECISION: Somehow, last year’s squad in a landslide. As Forrest said, “that’s all I got to say about that.”
QUARTERBACK
LAST YEAR: Will Howard
THIS YEAR: Julian Sayin
DECISION: And here’s what it all really comes down to; Howard’s experience & moxie or Sayin’s natural talent and cool composure. Which one wins out? It’s a coin toss for me right now. Push!
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So there’s where I think we’re at: 2024 wins 6-4-1.
Tell me where I’m wrong or what I got right. Hopefully, we’ll want to take a look after the season to see how these TWO CHAMPIONS compare to each other.
