Football
Five Storylines to Watch Headed into Fall Camp (Part 2)
We continue our two part series of the top storylines to watch headed into fall camp just less than a week before the first practice of fall camp on Tuesday. If you missed Part 1, be sure to give it a read here if you enjoy comments from the infamous Nate.
Here are the final five storylines I’ll be intently watching as we head into fall camp.
5. Play calling
Without going into too many X’s and O’s since I’m no Thomas Fleming, I’ll be interested to see how the play-calling evolves as Rudolph grabs the full reigns of the offense. Having a Walsh package last season was pretty predictable and easy for Yurcich, since it was like having an offensive coordinator run the offense. But with almost no experience for Rudolph inside the 20 yard line, what will their goal-to-go package look like now? I think that all depends on the progression of the offensive line, but the play calling will definitely show whether the confidence level is restored in the running game.
4. Building quality depth at wide receiver
Well, No. 3 is out until October. James Washington is the clear cut No. 1, but beyond him, OSU will need to continue to strengthen their depth. No doubt it’s a talented bunch with youngsters Jalen McCleskey and Dillon Stoner who I am both high on. But veterans like Chris Lacy and Jhajuan Seales will need to hold the post until Ateman can return. Seales has all the tools to be a No. 1 option.
3. #RudolphToTheNFL Chatter
We’ve already heard it all this offseason about Rudolph being a potential first rounder in 2017. But if QB1 can get his troops rallied and off to another fast start, the NFL chatter will be buzzing come November. I’m not so much interested in the media buzz, but I’ll be interested to see how he has progressed from sophomore to junior year. He has one of the best deep threats in the conference in James Washington, and a ton of speedsters who he can get the ball to in the flats. Rudolph is primed for a big year.
2. Can the Cowboys stay healthy?
Marcell Ateman is already out until October, which isn’t ideal. OSU could’t keep the injury bug away last season, losing Ryan Simmons and Jimmy Bean to season ending injuries. If the Pokes want to make a Big 12 title run, they’ll need to have all their key pieces in the puzzle healthy to make it happen.
1. Improvement along the offensive line
Adding junior college all-american offensive lineman Larry Williams could be a key to stabilizing a much maligned offensive line that has severely struggled. Most of the starting line from a year ago returns, and the young talent in the program has had a year to grow and learn. Among the up-and-comers are offensive tackle Marcus Keyes, who could be slated to see some time at left tackle. If the Cowboys can shore up some deficiencies, specifically at the guard positions, they could take a lot of pressure of Rudolph’s shoulders with a mildly performing run game again.
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