An update to my projected two-deep depth chart. Nothing earth shattering here.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
OPEN
Contenders for the starting role are John Wolford and Kendall Hinton
Running Back
Likely a 3-man committee with Cade Carney (FR), Tyler Bell (SOPH) and one other.
X-Receiver
Starter: Cortez Lewis (rSOPH)
Backup: Scotty Washington (rFR)
Note: Washington should see the field some. Even at the start of the season.
S-Receiver
Starter: Jared Crump (rSR) **injured**
Backups: Steven Claude (rFR) and Alex Bachman (SOPH)
Note: Wade played some S in the spring, but I strongly suspect that he will remain at the Slot. Worth watching though.
Flanker / Slot Receiver
COMMITTEE - Tabari Hines (SOPH) AND Chuck Wade (SOPH)
Tight End
Starter: Cam Serigne (rJR)
Backups: Devin Pike (JR) AND Brandon Chapman (FR)
Offensive Line
Starters:
LT Justin Herron (rSOPH)
LG Ty Hayworth (rSR)
C Josh Harris (SR)
RG Phil Haynes (rSOPH)
RT Ryan Anderson (rSOPH)
Top Backups (in order)
Jake Benzinger (rFR)
Nathan Gilliam (rFR)
A’Lique Terry (JR)
Patrick Osterhage (rSOPH)
If the season started today, it sounds like Benzinger would get 15-20 planned snaps in an effort to get other OLs a breather. Nathan Gilliam could earn the same arrangement if he finishes camp strong. It is interesting to note that Wake is one OL injury away from having another freshman starting on the OL.
DEFENSE
Defensive Ends
Starters: Duke Ejiofor (rJR) and Wendell Dunn (rJR)
Backups: Several
There is a lot of competition not only for playing time, but I suspect to unseat Dunn as a starter. Paris Black (rFR), Chris Calhoun (SOPH) and Rashawn Shaw (rSOPH) are likely the three competing for an increased role, however Clawson sounds like he plans to take the redshirt off of either Zander Zimmer (FR), Emmanuel Walker (FR) or Boogie Basham (FR).
Defensive Tackles
Starters: Josh Banks (rSR) and OPEN
Backups: Shelldon Lewinson (rSR), Willie Yarbary (rSOPH) and Chris Stewart (rSOPH)
Note: It looks like a 4 man rotation at DT, with Sulaiman Kamara (FR) adding a fifth if he has a strong finish to camp.
Linebackers
Starters: Marquel Lee (SR) and Jaboree Williams (JR)
Top Backup: Grant Dawson (rJR)
Next Up: Competition for the 4th LB spot between Justin Strnad (rFR) and Nate Mays (rFR) with Jacquez Williams (FR) possibly getting in the mix if he has a strong finish to camp.
Rover
Starter: Demetrius Kemp (rSOPH)
Backup: Thomas Brown (SR)
Note: Brown could turn this into a committee situation like Williams/Kemp in 2015.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Brad Watson (SR) and Dionte Austin (SOPH)
Top Backup: Amari Henderson (rFR) – has a chance to unseat Austin for a starting role but has been slowed by injuries early in camp.
Next Up: Battle for the last spot on the 2-deep between Essang Bassey (FR) and Thomas Dillon (JR)
Safeties
Starters: Committee with Ryan Janvion (rSR), Cameron Glenn (rSOPH), and Jessie Bates (rFR)
Next Up: Probably Josh Okonye (rJR), although Traveon Redd (FR) could be in the mix here.
Placekickers
Mike Weaver (rJR)
Adam Centers (rSOPH) – will he be ready to handle kickoff duties?
Punter
Dom Maggio (FR)
Long Snapper
Garrett Wilson (SOPH)