Type of Offense: Spread. Zone read running plays and nearly all passing plays from the shotgun formation. There is rare to no use of a fullback. Tight End is used primarily as a blocking back (extra OL). Nearly all runs are made by the RB and QB save the occasional end around with the WR.
Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.
· Run/Pass %: 49/51
· Run/Pass Attempts: 418/438
· Points Per Game: 30.0
· Points Allowed Per Game: 30.8
Key Returning Players:
· Ryan Aplin, QB: Returning starting QB should be able to improve on his numbers from 2010 which saw him miss 3000 yards passing by a mere 61 yards. He is the triggerman for a potent passing attack that saw 3 WRs get over 30 catches in 2010. Expect more of the same from Aplin in 2011.
· Dwayne Frampton, WR: With the running game having significant struggles in 2010, Frampton was about to catch nearly 70 balls and become the breakout leader of the WR core. Another season of 60+ catches should be in order for the WR.
· Nathon Herrold, LB: The junior LB had over 70 tackles as a sophomore and will be looked upon to increase those totals and help forge a massive improvement for Arkansas State’s defense.
· Kelcie McCoy, DB: The secondary gave up a lot of yards in 2010 but the one shining spot was the play of McCoy. McCoy had 79 tackles and 2 INTs and looked like the best player in the defensive backfield for 2011.
Key Incoming Freshmen:
· Aaron and James Williams, OL: The two Williams, one coming from Mississippi and the other coming from Arizona, have the size and the experience from JUCO stops to come in and play on the line immediately. Expect both to push current starters for playing time as the season progresses.
· Kyle Coleman, WR: With the sheer number of passes that Arkansas State throws in a game, as many quality receivers as possible would be a welcome sight. Coleman has the size and speed to jump in and get a solid 15-20 catches this fall and push the current WRs to work harder to keep their spots.
Overall Assessment: A lot of talent on the offensive side and lack thereof on the defensive side will always lead to a subpar record. The only way to a successful season is defensive improvement. Offensively, this team can put points on the board in bunches. Led by Aplin at QB, they averaged 30 points per game. Which leads to the negative side. They gave up just over 30 point per game. That number must fall significantly in 2011 to about the 25 point range. They have some players that can make tackles but as with many losing teams, turnovers must be forced on a higher level. The kicking game looks to be in solid shape as sophomore Ryan Davis looked to be the kicker of choice as the season wrapped up with a 75% accuracy and an ability to make 40 yarders as a freshman in 2010. The punter from 2010 returns to solidify the spot and keep the special teams solid in 2011. Overall, scoring a lot of points is a good thing but some defensive stops and turnovers forced would be even better. There is just nothing there to suggest that the defense will have a dramatic improvement and anything over last year’s 4 wins should be considered successful.
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