So if you recall, we had to get creative with lineups and tinker with lineups throughout the fall season due to injuries and exposures and the likes. Moreover, we all know the talent we've lost in Harris, DeShields, McMaster, Pannenberg, Parente, and Chol.
The biggest move here was getting Alphin to campus. While I don't think he's going to come in and start for the spring, you never know. However, McNally looked good in the one half we saw him and was highly rated coming out of HS. But a simple injury or blowout, and Alphin is up. Those are the only two GKs currently on the roster.
So back 4? There are a couple sure starters it seems. Tubbs, Rula, and Benalcazar are clear starters. Now, do we see them all in the back line next year or Tubbs in a pivot in front of the 4, that certainly could happen. But Tubbs brings a huge presence to the back line which is great to have. So that leaves Escribano and Prince as options, both of whom had some really solid moments last year. Cummins coming in though is an interesting prospect. Wake listed him as a midfielder when he signed, but I think he's played left wing back at times. It could be a situation like Gdula where he excels at pressing down the left with a natural left foot, but again, hard to come in and knock some of the other guys down the order.
Midfield, another couple stalwarts in Suzuki and Omar. Now, Omar had some ups and downs last season, but I think the talent is incredible. So, who else is in the mix with them? Does Cummins play with them? Ryan Fessler is another who I actually thought might sign on HG so it's nice to see him there. I think he could be another. And then obviously Jake Swallen who started most matches. Lots to see here, and again, some of these guys might be moved up top to make the right fit.
Up top, clearly all roads go through Holcomb. He's an exceptional talent. Wrona and Thomas certainly could press and play up top, so it'll be interesting to see. Julian Kennedy though might be the guy though with the most likely road to stepping in day 1. What I read on him makes me think he'll fit in as Calvin's replacement. Big sized, athletic, and can score.
In the end, I always try to predict what a day 1 XI looks like and it's always wrong. But, here we go.
-----McNally-----
Escribano-Nico-Tubbs-Rula
Omar---Swallen---Suzuki
Holcomb--Kennedy--Sears