Spring storylines to observe for groups in 2022 Manner-Too-Early faculty soccer Prime 25

Our faculty soccer reporters lately examined the biggest strength and the biggest question mark for each workforce in our 2022 Way-Too-Early Top 25.

Now we flip our consideration to spring practices and what to observe for as place battles get underway and groups attempt to fill some lacking gaps and study new methods.

1. Alabama: Who will step up at receiver?

Nick Saban did not mince phrases when assessing the play of the Crimson Tide’s backup receivers within the nationwide title recreation loss to Georgia. In a speech at a coaches clinic, he mentioned there have been “three guys” and “not certainly one of them — not one — might benefit from the chance they’d.” Whereas Saban would not identify names, we are going to. The three receivers he was possible referring to had been Agiye Hall, Ja’Corey Brooks and Traeshon Holden. With stars Jameson Williams and John Metchie III off to the NFL, it is as much as these three — plus the addition of Georgia switch Jermaine Burton, the return of JoJo Earle from damage and extra — to step up and fill the void they left behind. — Alex Scarborough

2. Ohio State: Defensive makeover

The Buckeyes made some vital adjustments on protection, together with bringing in new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State, in addition to corners coach Tim Walton and safeties coach Perry Eliano. The brand new coaches acquired Oklahoma State nook switch Tanner McCalister to affix the workforce, in addition to Arizona State linebacker DeaMonte Trayanum, however they misplaced corners Ryan Watts and Sevyn Banks, linebackers Dallas Gant and K’Vaughan Pope and some others to the switch portal. The workforce can be dropping defensive linemen Tyreke Smith, Haskell Garrett and Antwuan Jackson. The protection ranked No. 38 in opponents’ factors scored per recreation, No. 29 in rush yards allowed per recreation, No. 97 in move yards allowed per recreation and No. 61 in complete yards allowed per recreation. That should change rapidly if Ohio State needs to make it again to the Faculty Soccer Playoff. — Tom VanHaaren

3. Georgia: How will the brand new Georgia protection mesh?

The 2021 nationwide champs had been identified for his or her traditionally nice protection, which goes to have holes to fill after many anticipated departures for the NFL draft. One of many largest focuses will likely be on the line of defense, the place manufacturing from guys like Travon Walker, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt will should be changed. The change in management may also be one thing to observe with Will Muschamp and Glenn Schumann taking on the protection for Dan Lanning, who’s now the top man at Oregon. It is truthful to count on some kind of a drop-off from a traditionally nice protection that misplaced a lot of its faces and its chief, however watching this nonetheless extremely gifted group mesh and seeing who will stand out in it (like a Jalen Carter) will likely be key as Georgia appears to defend its title. — Harry Lyles Jr.

4. Texas A&M: Loaded QB room

This 12 months’s quarterback derby ought to be essentially the most attention-grabbing competitors since Kellen Mond and Nick Starkel duked it out in Jimbo Fisher’s first season with the Aggies. After starter Haynes King, who was only a redshirt freshman, was misplaced for the season, Zach Calzada cemented his identify in Aggie lore by enjoying the sport of his life within the upset of Alabama. However the passing recreation’s struggles the remainder of the season held the Aggies again. Calzada transferred to Auburn, and LSU switch Max Johnson, who threw for 27 TDs and 6 INTs final 12 months, arrived by way of the portal and is the kind of pro-style QB who matches Fisher’s offense. Nonetheless, King is taken into account an amazing athlete who hasn’t had a lot time to point out it publicly and will add one other dimension on the place. In the meantime, the coaches are enamored with incoming freshman Conner Weigman, the No. 1 QB within the ESPN 300, who was named the highschool quarterback of the 12 months by the Nationwide Quarterback Membership. King ought to get an opportunity to carry on to the job, however the QB room is as loaded because it has been in years. — Dave Wilson

5. Michigan: Changing defensive manufacturing

Michigan’s protection is dropping two gamers projected as first-round picks within the upcoming NFL draft, in accordance with Mel Kiper Jr., in defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo. Daxton Hill is Kiper’s second-best security prospect within the draft, and the Wolverines are additionally dropping beginning linebacker Josh Ross, security Brad Hawkins, nook Vincent Gray and defensive deal with Chris Hinton. That could be a ton of manufacturing to interchange, together with a brand new defensive coordinator in Jessie Minter. Ross, Hutchinson and Hill had been Michigan’s main tacklers, accounting for 27% of the workforce’s complete tackles, whereas Hutchinson and Ojabo had 25 of the workforce’s 34 sacks. How will Michigan exchange that in a single offseason with no additions from the switch portal? The line of defense is essentially the most regarding space, the place Michigan has not recruited nicely behind its starters, and the Wolverines have no clear solutions to interchange Hutchinson and Ojabo. — VanHaaren

6. Notre Dame: Who will seize management at quarterback?

New head coach Marcus Freeman has a veteran protection at his (and defensive coordinator Al Golden’s) disposal. His offensive line ought to be stout. He has tight finish Michael Mayer, probably the greatest safety blankets within the nation. However he does not have working again Kyren Williams, and he does not have quarterback Jack Coan. The working again corps seems stocked with choices, so this spring’s largest storyline will likely be fairly apparent: Can both Tyler Buchner or Drew Pyne seize management of the quarterback job? Buchner, a top-50 recruit within the 2021 class, accomplished 21 of 35 passes and flashed main explosiveness along with his legs, however Pyne thrived late within the Irish’s massive win over Wisconsin. Each deliver distinctive ability units to the desk. Will one stand out over the opposite? — Invoice Connelly

7. Utah: Management void

For the Utes, the following potential step is the hardest one. They got here inside just a few performs of profitable the Rose Bowl, which suggests the margins for a extra profitable season are slim. The plain shortcoming in Pasadena was within the secondary, the place a scarcity of depth meant damage points had been particularly problematic. So it is smart to prioritize that within the spring. There are some key departures the Utes should account for, however as vital as Devin Lloyd and Britain Covey had been on the sector, it is their management void that will likely be missed most within the spring. — Kyle Bonagura

8. NC State: Sophisticated backfield scenario

The Wolfpack are poised to have a particular season in 2022, returning nearly each key defender, together with star QB Devin Leary. However the massive, looming query is within the backfield, the place discovering a constant floor recreation has been an ongoing downside for years. The issues appear to begin up entrance, with the Wolfpack rating 98th in yards per rush earlier than contact final season, 113th in 2020 and 105th in 2019. However the truth that NC State additionally loses playmaker Bam Knight to the NFL draft makes the backfield scenario much more sophisticated. Spring ball could be a robust time to determine the bottom recreation with out risking accidents, however this must be a precedence if the Wolfpack wish to take the following step into playoff competition in 2022. — David M. Hale

9. Oklahoma State: Can the offense enhance?

The Cowboys had certainly one of their best seasons in historical past final 12 months. Regardless of arising actually inches brief within the Large 12 title recreation, there was nonetheless room to rejoice a season that included a Bedlam win over Oklahoma in Stillwater and a rally over Notre Dame. However a variety of that greatness was keyed by a protection led by coordinator Jim Knowles and center linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who amassed greater than 400 tackles in his OSU profession, together with 129 in 2021. Each are gone, and Derek Mason is now overseeing the protection after shifting from Auburn. Quarterback Spencer Sanders confirmed flashes of brilliance together with performs which might be simply as confounding, however the protection all the time saved the Cowboys within the recreation. If the tooth stay, Mike Gundy has proven the power to coax an offense to huge enchancment. — Wilson

Any individual goes to should fill the footwear of Kenneth Walker III, who was the second-leading rusher within the FBS with 1,636 yards in 12 video games. Mel Tucker is not wanting candidates, after including transfers in former Wisconsin working again Jalen Berger (who had 389 speeding yards and three touchdowns in seven video games) in mid-December and 2020 Pac-12 offensive participant of the 12 months Jarek Broussard from Colorado in late January. The pair will be a part of Elijah Collins, Jordon Simmons, Harold Joiner, Donovan Eaglin, Caleb Wolf and Davion Primm. Collins led the Spartans in speeding in 2019, then Simmons did in 2020 earlier than Walker got here alongside as a switch himself from Wake Forest. Broussard will not be round till the summer season, however there will likely be rather a lot for that group to work out in spring, which will likely be working behind an offensive line with three new starters. — Lyles

11. Clemson: Will Uiagalelei lose his job?

In a spring full of new faces in new locations, essentially the most attention-grabbing storyline is the QB returning at Clemson. D.J. Uiagalelei was purported to be a celebrity, a Heisman Trophy candidate, the following in an extended line of elite Clemson QBs. As a substitute, he slogged by way of a depressing 2021. Whereas his nationwide advert marketing campaign with Dr. Pepper aired dozens of instances each Saturday, Uiagalelei threw simply 9 TD passes. How can he recuperate from that? There’s optimism that he acquired higher because the season progressed, and positively Clemson is in a greater place to help him on the offensive ability positions. However with so many new coaches on employees and freshman Cade Klubnik enrolled early and pushing for reps, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see whether or not Uiagalelei can lastly blossom into the participant so many of us thought he could be, or if he’ll find yourself dropping his job and shifting on from the Tigers. — Hale

12. Oregon: How will Nix fare within the Pacific Northwest?

After a irritating season underneath middle for Oregon final 12 months, this spring brings just a few new hopes that the Geese are banking on to vault them into competition sooner fairly than later. Bo Nix‘s transfer from Auburn to Eugene was stunning, however much less so when you think about new head coach Dan Lanning employed Florida State offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham. Dillingham was the quarterbacks coach at Auburn in 2019 when Nix received SEC Rookie of the 12 months. The blueprint to succeed is there, and on the very least, Nix will likely be a drastic change of tempo from Anthony Brown, however Nix is not the one quarterback to keep watch over. Redshirt freshman Ty Thompson is slated to be Oregon’s quarterback of the longer term. The previous No. Three quarterback in 2021 was the primary five-star on the place to ever signal with the Geese. Thompson is a dual-threat quarterback with boundless potential, and if he impresses from the spring, the battle between him and Nix might get aggressive because the season nears. — Paolo Uggetti

13. Houston: A revamped offensive line

Regardless of a profitable 12-2 season that ended with Houston as one of many solely two ranked groups within the state of Texas, the Cougars struggled to maintain their quarterback upright and their working backs ahead all season lengthy. Houston’s offensive line allowed 38 sacks and its run recreation was 85th within the nation. Dana Holgorsen’s workforce returns a 3,500-yard, 30-touchdown quarterback in Clayton Tune and a gifted working again in rising sophomore Alton McCaskill, who regardless of the offensive line struggles, nonetheless managed to amass 18 touchdowns on the season. The Cougars did goal to deal with this weak point on the recruiting path by bringing in three three-star offensive linemen. Although all of them will likely be freshmen this season, the necessity for a revamped line going into subsequent season might see them win a while on the sector as quickly as this spring. — Uggetti

14. Wake Forest: Studying a brand new protection

Protection, protection, protection. Pretty much as good as Wake was on offense final 12 months — and for a lot of the season, the Deacons had been as explosive as any workforce within the nation — it was practically as depressing on protection. The top end result was coordinator Lyle Hemphill shifting on to Duke, changed by former Charlotte coach Brad Lambert. It is an incredible addition for Dave Clawson’s employees, however now the laborious work comes, getting the gamers attuned to Lambert’s system and discovering out who’s able to step up into a much bigger position because the Deacons look to interchange their high move rusher (Luiji Vilain) and their defensive chief (LB Luke Masterson). — Hale

15. Iowa: Who will take over on the again line?

Iowa’s protection mastered the artwork of the turnover in 2021, and three of the first causes for which might be gone. Safeties Dane Belton and Jack Koerner and cornerback Matt Hankins mixed for 10 interceptions and 16 move breakups final 12 months, and whereas the Hawkeyes aren’t bereft of ballhawks — corners Riley Moss and Jermari Harris are again — that is nonetheless a variety of turnover for a such an important unit. Each safeties had been glorious in run help, too. Who will take over on the again line? How do they appear? The entrance seven will likely be splendidly skilled in 2022, and the Hawkeyes ought to nonetheless pressure a great deal of apparent passing conditions, however that solely issues if a reworked secondary can take benefit. — Connelly

16. Baylor: Can McWilliams win the beginning job?

The Bears’ working recreation was a revelation in 2021, as Abram Smith set the single-season faculty document with 1,601 yards and backup Trestan Ebner added 799. The duo helped Baylor end No. 5 within the nation with 3,070 yards on the bottom, however neither will likely be again in 2022. Taye McWilliams confirmed flashes of explosiveness early within the season (17 carries, 181 yards) and has an enormous alternative this spring to make the beginning job his personal. Past McWilliams, nobody else left on the roster actually factored in final season, which makes the spring particularly vital for the working again room. Craig Williams, Jordan Jenkins, Qualan Jones and, perhaps, Josh Fleeks all determine to be in line for key auditions. — Bonagura

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Taye McWilliams runs for 20-yard Baylor TD

17. Oklahoma: Control … every part

It is a new/outdated period in Norman, with former Bob Stoops lieutenant Brent Venables taking on after former Stoops coordinator Lincoln Riley up and left for USC. So what’s there to observe? How about every part. Is Dillon Gabriel the reply at quarterback after star freshman Caleb Williams joined Riley in L.A.? Can the offensive line come collectively to purchase Gabriel time after Spencer Rattler and Williams each purchased time final 12 months? Underneath Venables’ watch, will the protection add again some chew that was missing? — Wilson

18. BYU: Changing speeding manufacturing

Tyler Allgeier‘s departure for the NFL leaves 1,606 speeding yards to get replaced subsequent season, a gap that’s robust to understate. For the previous two seasons, Allgeier’s reliability has been one of many main causes BYU has sustained such a excessive stage of success. Lopini Katoa skilled some success in a backup position in 2021 (61 carries, 242 yards), however he isn’t as confirmed as Cal switch Christopher Brooks, who has enrolled after committing to BYU final month. If coach Kalani Sitake can get a greater sense of what the rotation ought to be popping out of spring ball, it should examine an vital field. — Bonagura

19. Cincinnati: What is the protection going to appear to be?

Offensively, the Bearcats will likely be dropping quarterback Desmond Ridder however are nonetheless anticipated to return seven starters on that facet of the ball, whereas redshirt freshman Evan Prater, Ohio’s Mr. Soccer in 2019, would be the favourite to take over the quarterback place. Protection is the place the Bearcats shined the previous two seasons, and that unit goes to look a lot totally different in 2022, due to gifted departures in cornerbacks Ahmad Gardner and Coby Bryant, main tackler Joel Dublanko and high move rusher Curtis Brooks. Defensive finish Mario Eugenio, cornerback Oliver Bridges and defensive deal with Derrick Shepard will likely be additions to keep watch over, because the Bearcats try to maintain a powerful defensive id that has served them nicely. — Lyles

20. Arkansas: Can Haselwood decide up the place Burks left off?

Treylon Burks emerged as probably the greatest receivers within the nation final season, catching 66 passes for 1,104 yards and 11 touchdowns. He additionally ran for 112 yards and one rating. And now all that manufacturing is gone, off to the NFL, and Razorback followers are left to surprise who will decide up the slack seeing as Burks had extra catches than the Nos. 2, Three and Four receivers mixed (Tyson Morris, Trey Knox and Warren Thompson). Thompson is poised to tackle a much bigger position, and Ketron Jackson Jr. may very well be a breakout candidate. However the participant to observe will likely be Oklahoma switch Jadon Haselwood, the previous No. 1-ranked receiver within the Class of 2019 who had 39 catches for 399 yards and 6 touchdowns final 12 months. — Scarborough

21. Kentucky: Studying a brand new offense

Offensive coordinator Liam Coen began a course of that had been lengthy overdue at Kentucky final season, modernizing an offense that for thus lengthy had uncared for the passing recreation. However simply because it felt like progress was being made, the 36-year-old was lured again to the NFL and his former workforce, the Los Angeles Rams. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops is not reversing course, although. By bringing in former San Francisco 49ers assistant Wealthy Scangarello to interchange Coen final week, Stoops signaled that he needs to proceed to pursue an up to date pro-style system that ought to pair nicely with the dual-threat capacity of quarterback Will Levis. — Scarborough

22. USC: How will the Trojans deal with the trenches?

Lincoln Riley’s new workforce has a variety of luster going into spring. Quarterback Caleb Williams gave Beats headphones to the ladies’s basketball workforce, this system had seaside days in February, and it is nonetheless using excessive after cleansing up within the switch portal. However the shiny new toys can work provided that the muse is there. As spring nears, one of many extra attention-grabbing sides of the brand new regime will likely be the way it goes about coping with what has been USC’s weak point the previous few years: the trenches. On each side of the road, USC has fallen behind the curve that premier packages like Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State have set. New offensive coordinator Josh Henson, who can be the offensive line coach, could have his work minimize out for him in attempting to not simply defend Williams, however in permitting him to shine like he did, at instances, at Oklahoma. On the opposite facet of the ball, changing Drake Jackson (who had 5 sacks final season) will likely be key to revamping a Trojans protection (88th final 12 months) that should enhance dramatically if USC needs to get again to the highest. — Uggetti

23. Ole Miss: New-look offense

Seeing the new-look offense in Oxford would be the focus this spring. The massive and apparent departures — offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and quarterback Matt Corral — are vital. However the Rebels are additionally dropping main rusher Jerrion Ealy, in addition to wideouts Dontario Drummond and Braylon Sanders. New offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is now tasked with limiting the drop-off for Ole Miss, and could have assist from some key transfers in quarterback Jaxson Dart (USC), working again Zach Evans (TCU), vast receiver Jordan Watkins (Louisville), offensive deal with Mason Brooks (WKU) and tight finish Michael Trigg (USC). Weis is coming into his first Energy 5 coordinating gig, and his job in 12 months 1 may very well be a lot simpler due to the portal than it in any other case would have been. — Lyles

24. Wisconsin: Extra consistency within the move recreation

The Badgers discovered a run recreation final season with freshman working again Braelon Allen, who completed the season with 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns. The move recreation nonetheless struggled many of the season, although, with Graham Mertz ending the season with 1,958 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Coach Paul Chryst employed Bobby Engram from the Baltimore Ravens to take over as the brand new offensive coordinator, and Engram might want to determine how one can get extra consistency out of the passing recreation. Mertz was ranked No. 88 in complete move yards, No. 92 in completion proportion and 115 in landing to interception ratio. Having Allen and the run recreation helps, however the move recreation wants work. — VanHaaren

How is a drastically reworked offense taking form? It is not the one query that issues in Columbia this spring, however it’s by far the most important. Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks overachieved in 2021, however they did so with an offense that primarily held them again — they ranked 44th in factors allowed per drive, however solely 101st in factors scored. Beamer, in fact, dipped closely into the switch portal to straighten issues out, bringing in not solely marquee quarterback Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma) but additionally working again Christian Beal-Smith (Wake Forest) and tight finish Austin Stogner (Oklahoma). They need to all play at a excessive stage if the Gamecocks have any probability of residing as much as top-25 hype, and Rattler and Beal-Smith are in for spring. What have they got to supply? How is offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield aspiring to deploy Rattler and firm? We’ll see! — Connelly