There's definitely a part of me that says I'm just going through the annual preseason optimism, and reality will hit.
The real wild card with this whole group is probably Beck, and how he uses all the pieces. I hope we're not going to play "we need to have a TE" football with guys who are either too small or too big to be TEs. Just figure out how to get rid of the ball quicker if your front 5 can't handle the pass rush.
As for Alford, he finished strong, and I recall his blocking was pretty good toward the end too. So have to hope he just keeps building on it.
I have no expectations for Long and Hatcher. But like you, I'm intrigued by Adams. Maybe Beck gives him the chance that Anae didn't.
I get the preseason optimism angle.
But again, it doesn't feel like much improvement is needed for this group to catapult up the conference rankings. Pena and Alford have both played -- a lot. At the end of last season, Alford became more productive, and made a number of really impressive catches in key situations. Now, he needs to be more consistent. But he'll also benefit in the Jamal Custis deep sideline role if the OL can give Shrader a bit more time to throw cleanly. Wouldn't be a surprise to see him take it up a notch as a junior, due to a variety of factors. Pena was dependable, but got knicked up frequently. Perhaps the extra 10 pounds will help him absorb hits a little better, because otherwise the productivity was there.
If Jones validates what the coaches say about him, it is going to take a LOT of pressure off of OG. Or at minimum will force teams to not double OG indiscriminately. And if they do, having a #1 caliber threat playing opposite OG will position our offense to burn defenses that gamble on trying to take OG away and dare us to throw to other players. We haven't seen enough of Jones to know what his full capabilities are yet, but I'm encouraged by what the coaches are saying [and said last year].
Adams and Hatcher played a little bit last year, and flashed. Can they be a little more consistent?
Brown -- TBD, but he looked good in spring practice two years in a row, so he's got some potential, and has now been in the program for a full year, so he should be acclimated to the college game and know the playbook.
Seems to me that the optimism isn't just about wishful thinking, but warranted. Very excited to see what Jones / Alford bring to the table in 2023. IF those two can provide some consistent complimentary production next to OG, and IF the offensive line improves pass blocking, this WR unit could surprise.
