Toledo Rockets 2018 Football Preview
Opening Statement: Jason Candle has picked right up where Matt Campbell left off with the Rockets, but Candle moved a step ahead when he won the MAC title last season, the first time that has happened since 2004. The Rockets are loaded with talent yet again, but have to find a replacement for one of the best players in school and conference history in QB Logan Woodside, who has moved on to the NFL. Candle and OC Brian Wright have gotten to work on that project, and the end result could determine whether or not the Rockets have enough fuel to soar to another MAC title in 2018.
Breakdown Offense: The QB job is down to junior Mitchell Guadagni or Eli Peters, a sophomore. Guadagni has all of 6 attempted passes to his name, and completed just one of them, and was the 3rd string QB last fall. Peters may have the brighter future, but has no experience.
Art Thompkins was the 3rd back last fall, but could be starting in 2018, but will likely share carries with Shakif Seymour. Seymour rushed for 702 yards last fall, and scored 12 times while averaging 6.05 yards per carry. Thompkins rushed for 629 yards, while scoring 2 times. He also avareged 6.05 yards per carry. Production and experience drops off sharply after that.
The Rockets have one of the better receiving corps in the nation heading into the season.Cody Thompson, Jon'Vea Johnson, and Diontae Johnson all return. Diontae Johnson was a beast last season, as he posted 74-1278-13, and averaged over 17 yards per catch. Jon'Vae Johnson caught 42 passed for 689 yards and 5 scores, and averaged 16.4 yards per catch. Thompson missed 9 games last fall, and managed to post 28-537-4, and averaged 19.18 yards per catch, and may be the bet of the group, if healthy. There is plenty of depth and talent behind this group as well.
Reggie Gilliam will start at TE, but Jordan Fisher also returns after catching 20 passes last season.
The line could be a question, as just 2 starters return. Sami Kassem (LG) and Bryce Harris (C) are those starters. Yazeed Atariwa is projected to start at LT, and Brandon Heidecker is penciled in at RT. Luke Doerger is projected at RG. Look for Brock Ruble, a transfer from Florida State, to have a shot to start at either Tackle or Guard, as he started 13 games for the Seminoles at Tackle last season.
Breakdown Defense: The line may be a bit thin this fall, as just one starter returns in DT Nate Childress. He totaled just 2 TFLs as a sophomore last season. Tyrone Chambers is penciled in as the starter at the open DT spot. He played in just 3 games as a freshman. Willie Ross and Tuzar Skipper are the projected starters at DE. They combined for 3 TFLs off the bench.
Tyler Taafe is the lone starting LB returning, and he totaled just 38 tackles, with 24 of those coming as assists. Richard Olekanma, a senior, is expected to start along side him in the 4-2-5 set. He totaled 45 tackles last fall. Again, depth is thin.
The secondary is loaded, and returns 4 of 5 starters in Ka'Dar Hollman (CB), DeDarallo Blue (NB), Kahlil Robinson (S), and Josh Teachey (S). Hollman recorded 7 PBUs and 35 tackles. Blue finished with 36 tackles, and 2 PBUs. Robinson totaled 4 PBUs, 4 INTs, and 67 tackles, and Teachey totaled 56 tackles. Sophomore Justin Clark looks to take over the open spot at CB. He totaled 5 PBUs as a freshman.
Breakdown Special Teams: Jameson Vest is one of the best PKs in the nation after hitting 25/30 FG attempts last season, and he hit 56/58 PATs. He will be a senior this fall.
Bailey Flint is back at Punter, but struggled to average just over 38 yards per punt last fall as a freshman. More is needed from him.
Final Analysis: Toledo looks to be in the running to win 10 games or more once again this season, but surviving a tough early run that includes games against Miami at home, and Fresno State on the road, will be key. The Rockets are looking to develop help at key spots (QB, defensive front 6), and will have limited slots early on to get those spots comfortably running. If they can get everything together entering MAC play, Toledo will once again be a tough out, and should have the ability to push West favorite Northern Illinois on the road in November.
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