We spend a lot of time asking questions about the team and dissecting the negatives around the team when things like spring practice begin. I was picking over the roster late at night and decided to highlight a few areas I think the Roadrunners are set at for 2016 and beyond.
Safety
There might not be a better recruited position on the football team than safety, especially when the system of play is taken into account. The 4-2-5 relies on strong, versatile safeties and the old staff did a great job leaving the cupboard full of experienced upperclassmen and talented youngsters. Michael Egwuagu may be the best player on the team and is one of the unquestioned leaders. Nate Gaines was impressive when healthy. Andrew Martel, CJ Levine and Darryl Godfrey all drew rave reviews from the older guys as freshmen. Carl Austin and Isaiah Santos are underrated players and Austin Jupe has all the upside in the world. It is a position of strength for the team and that is good with the question marks at cornerback.
Defensive Tackle
It is still undecided whether UTSA uses TJ King as a defensive tackle or a defensive end. He's listed as a defensive end so we won't include him in this discussion. Even without him, defensive tackle is full of ready bodies and guys in the wings. A solid trio of experience rests in Vontrell King-Williams, Johnathan Tuiolosega and budding star Kevin Strong, who is just a sophomore. Add redshirt freshmen Baylen Baker and King Newton and this position has a lot of potential and a future.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position has never been in better shape. Kerry Thomas set records as a sophomore. JaBryce Taylor emerged as a true No. 1 threat late in 2015. Dannon Cavil is eligible to play and a guy like Marquez McNair is arriving on campus this summer. Add versatile slot threats like Greg Campbell, Matt Guidry and Derrick Dick to go along with promising options like Peyton Hall and Aron Taylor and there is plenty to like about the position.
Interior offensive line
There are big questions at tackle, but the guard and center positions are in great shape. The starters aren't known and that's good news, it means UTSA has a true two-deep at each position. Juan Perez and Clayton Woods can battle it out at center with Austin Pratt serving as a third body in case of emergency. Pratt joins the battle for two starting guard spots with Kyle McKinney and Stefan Beard. If Alex Snow can be the fourth piece to the depth chart at guard UTSA is in good shape at three out of the five offensive line positions.
Running back
Jarveon Williams. Enough said. Jalen Rhodes and Brett Winnegan give the team options to change the pace. Corbin White and Tyrell Clay are big bodies. Halen Steward is the perfect fullback on short-yardage.
Safety
There might not be a better recruited position on the football team than safety, especially when the system of play is taken into account. The 4-2-5 relies on strong, versatile safeties and the old staff did a great job leaving the cupboard full of experienced upperclassmen and talented youngsters. Michael Egwuagu may be the best player on the team and is one of the unquestioned leaders. Nate Gaines was impressive when healthy. Andrew Martel, CJ Levine and Darryl Godfrey all drew rave reviews from the older guys as freshmen. Carl Austin and Isaiah Santos are underrated players and Austin Jupe has all the upside in the world. It is a position of strength for the team and that is good with the question marks at cornerback.
Defensive Tackle
It is still undecided whether UTSA uses TJ King as a defensive tackle or a defensive end. He's listed as a defensive end so we won't include him in this discussion. Even without him, defensive tackle is full of ready bodies and guys in the wings. A solid trio of experience rests in Vontrell King-Williams, Johnathan Tuiolosega and budding star Kevin Strong, who is just a sophomore. Add redshirt freshmen Baylen Baker and King Newton and this position has a lot of potential and a future.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position has never been in better shape. Kerry Thomas set records as a sophomore. JaBryce Taylor emerged as a true No. 1 threat late in 2015. Dannon Cavil is eligible to play and a guy like Marquez McNair is arriving on campus this summer. Add versatile slot threats like Greg Campbell, Matt Guidry and Derrick Dick to go along with promising options like Peyton Hall and Aron Taylor and there is plenty to like about the position.
Interior offensive line
There are big questions at tackle, but the guard and center positions are in great shape. The starters aren't known and that's good news, it means UTSA has a true two-deep at each position. Juan Perez and Clayton Woods can battle it out at center with Austin Pratt serving as a third body in case of emergency. Pratt joins the battle for two starting guard spots with Kyle McKinney and Stefan Beard. If Alex Snow can be the fourth piece to the depth chart at guard UTSA is in good shape at three out of the five offensive line positions.
Running back
Jarveon Williams. Enough said. Jalen Rhodes and Brett Winnegan give the team options to change the pace. Corbin White and Tyrell Clay are big bodies. Halen Steward is the perfect fullback on short-yardage.
