Depth Chart

Interesting that Michael O'Connell is listed over James Smith. Maybe it's to avoid the shortest defensive backfield in football.

http://www.cyclones.com//pdf4/639445.pdf

Found that strange but IMO it has to be a good thing. Any time a multiple year starter (who is a senior) losses his job to another guy, I have to take it as a positive. If anything it gives us depth at the safety position which we have been lacking the last couple years

I'm sure Smith will be playing a lot more than Mike.

Maybe Smith has missed practice time due to being dinged up??? I'm asking, because I don't know.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clone5

I'm sure Smith will be playing a lot more than Mike.

---

Probably. Is the depth chart incorrect, are they trying to motivate him, has he been hurt? These could be other factors. IF it is none of the above, than like I said, it can't be a bad thing

What I liked seeing on the defensive side is some decent sized and young LB's that won't be thrown into a starting role and rather will be gaining experience for years to come.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clones85'

Probably. Is the depth chart incorrect, are they trying to motivate him, has he been hurt? These could be other factors. IF it is none of the above, than like I said, it can't be a bad thing

---

I'd have to disagree and say it can be a bad thing. Especially early in the season it'd be nice to have somebody out there who has experience. As we've seen O'Connell has struggled when he sees the field. Maybe Smith is still a little hurt and we're not going to risk him further injuring himself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clone5

I'd have to disagree and say it can be a bad thing. Especially early in the season it'd be nice to have somebody out there who has experience. As we've seen O'Connell has struggled when he sees the field. Maybe Smith is still a little hurt and we're not going to risk him further injuring himself.

---

O'Connell has experience. Not the same amount but he does have experience. And this isn't a shot at Smith but he has struggled very much in the pass coverage department.

Any other changes? Seems like KR/PR is more defined (LJ, Lentz, Simms, and Money)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dunar

Any other changes? Seems like KR/PR is more defined (LJ, Lentz, Simms, and Money)

---

Sims claimed the starting SS spot.

NDSU is a great game to give a guy some game experience. He/we shouldn't be in any danger if it IS a talent drop off.

Maybe Rhoads will address the O'Connell change in the presser today.

two things i see:

houston jones is 3rd
darius darks is 3rd (injury) ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dunar

Any other changes? Seems like KR/PR is more defined (LJ, Lentz, Simms, and Money)

---

I don't remember Simms being on there before. Glad to see Sandvig is no longer listed there so he can focus on one thing at a time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dualthreat

two things i see:

houston jones is 3rd
darius darks is 3rd (injury) ?

---

I can't believe the Houston Jones thing, that kid caught 10-15 yard outs a LOT for us last year for 1st downs.

Darius D. is nursing a hamstring.