OK, folks, as the board resident here in Spartyburg, I'm gonna try and report on goings on up here.
From the sound of things, it seems that Stanton's pretty much locked down the starting QB slot (no big surprise), and, along with the two returning RB's MSU should have a pretty solid running threat. Also some pretty good WR's, so this could be one explosive offense (remember what they did to Minny... and Wisky... and scUM last year? I'm thinking the offense will be much the same... but more seasoned)
The Defense, on the other hand... well. "Porous" might be kind, judging from all the doom and gloom I've encountered so far. Concerns at DB, DL... LB's and "bandit" should be ok... maybe.
Depth Chart... for those interested
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/...epth-chart.pdf
Better yet... personnel breakdown
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/...rsonnel-05.pdf
I'd count Knott and Cobb as notable losses at TE and RB, respectively.
On D, I'd say Dortch and Harmon (Bandit and FS) will be missed.
Smith has been moved from SS to Bandit (which in JLS's system is a hybrid safety/LB whose sole function is to headhunt--find ball, get ball
). My undergrads (who pay more attention to these things than I do) tell me he is a solid safety, so this could be a great move for the team, provided someons steps up in the defensive backfield.
Just my opinion, but this will likely be a team that will rely heavily on offensive production to win games. They'll try to mix a wide-open spread offense, with ball control/grind it out with your backs, and the occasional scramble by the quite mobile QB. Opposing defenses will spend a lot of time on the field, if they're not careful, and that could be what it takes to overcome Sparty's defensive shortcomings.
There's an open practice tomorrow, and I'll try to attend (If I can get my work done in time, that is)... so hopefully I will be able to give you an idea of what I've seen--but don't get your hopes up, because a seasoned scout I am NOT.