Instead of grades, I thought it might be interesting to look at talent level of various positions relative to CUSA, this year and expected for next year. These are just my thoughts, some based on stats, some on the eye test. Your opinion probably differs from mine and I'm interested to hear it.
It's important to keep in mind that talent level when Dimel took over was probably a mid-level FCS team. SHSU would have kicked our asses.
IMO, near top of CUSA indicates you're probably somewhere around 75th best in the country.
QB -- Hardison is OK. His QBR is pretty good, but to me he's very streaky, much like Boum in his first year. When he's on, he's near top of CUSA. On average however, he's probably average CUSA. He seemed to generally improve over the year, although I think some of that is due to improved play calling. Next year he should be better. I have no idea at all what the bench looks like?
RB -- Near top of CUSA. Let down frequently by play calling and poor blocking. Awatt fast and shifty. Hankins strong and punishing. Good bench depth. UNT and UTSA had better.
WR -- Cowing top of CUSA. Outgoing Garrett below average. Tyrin Smith had good moments and Flores is pretty good. Overall, average to below average, but might be better next year with another year under their belt. Average next year without upgrades from JC.
TE -- not often utilized in this offense except for blocking.
OL -- pass blocking above average. Run blocking below average. Got better the last couple games, probably mostly due to better play calling. Left side of the line was the weakest area, and that is where we have a senior graduating. Not sure whether that helps or hurts. But needs improvement. UNT told you they were going to run and did it anyway. We told you we were going to run and got stuffed at the line.
DL -- Top of CUSA. As the season progressed and we faced better opponents, they were unable to put the pressure on the QB and stuff the run that they were able to early, but still damn good. Maybe the best in conference. Young squad and hope to see them dominate next year against the other good teams.
LB -- Pretty good. Mid-CUSA. Whiffed a lot of tackles on runs by quick, shifty RBs late in the season. Young and should improve.
Secondary -- Lower level CUSA. I think they overperformed, but just not that athletic. Except for Inyang who was very good and is leaving. This is the biggest concern on the team to me. Need to hit JC / transfer portal hard.
Kicking -- Really need to upgrade both punter and FG. Both lower part of CUSA, barely D1 level. Kickoffs generally unreturnable however, so that's positive.
Coaching -- DC top of CUSA. I think his squad overperformed and that is coaching.
Offense (Dimel) -- play calling finally pretty decent by end of year.
Game management -- still really sucks. A lot of the procedure calls were due to getting plays in at the last second. Timeouts and delay of game on things like punts and first down after change of possession should never happen.
Obviously teams don't always improve year on year, but I think the elements are there that we should have no blowout losses next year except OU. Eight wins should be expected. Imagine saying that in 2019?
Dimel has rebuilt significantly. It should be easier to recruit to a bowl team than a winless team. To me, in future CUSA, if we aren't consistently challenging Liberty for championships, then Dimel has topped out and it's time to try to upgrade. For now, happy with the progress, and the appearance that this team isn't built for one winning season, but for an ongoing future.
