First up is Samford.

Because it’s week one, I guess it’s hard to be surprised by the game notes this week.

Especially with the offense. The depth chart is loaded with guys we’ve seen, most of them for several years. You have to feel really good about that side of the ball (next year too!).

On paper, our front 3+ on defense looks really odd.
Woodard (280) backed up by Best (225)
Partee (278) -> Hadnot (292)
Tolliver (294) -> Floyd (248)
Simmons (225) -> ESmith (271)
But all of those names are familiar.

Lots of new faces on defense.

At Linebacker:
Raphael Garner (early HS enrollee) is the only true freshman on the 2 deep.
Garrett Sharp (juco)

In the Secondary:
Devin Spurlock (juco) is the starter at one safety.
Brandon Porter is listed as the backup at both safety positions. He’s a transfer from San Diego St.
Tyler Williams (juco) is behind Winfrey at one corner spot.
Coaches knew the priority in the offseason was to improve the defense. We’ll see if all the new guys leads to getting off the field on 3rd down.

I’m pretty excited about the season. I really can’t wait until Thursday so we get a better idea of what to expect this season. But my expectations right now are high.

Go Bears.