Future Thumbs Up

Every season brings their own challenges and opportunities. This season we saw a two QB system, some controversial calls/replays, an extended suspension, a shift in the coaching staff, a bowl appearance and even went independent leaving the MWC behind. What lies down the road remains to be seen. Although, it clearly appears the cougs future is bright and in good hands with some experience under the belt.

The jerseys in blue found their signal caller in Jake Heaps. Although, did it really take until the fourth game of the season to figure that out? What is clear by all means the Jake Heaps era is officially underway and the future. Heaps puts people in the stands and has all the tools necessary to bring the cougs back to pass. Fighting for time next season will be Riley Nelson who should be back from his season ending shoulder injury. Adding to the depth chart is James Lark and Jason Munns.

One of the cougs team strengths once again should be in the offensive line regardless who lines up under center. The undisputed senior leader is Matt Reynolds who may or may not be back pending on his NFL decision. What is sure that the big men on campus that return will include Terence Brown, Braden Hansen, and Terence Brown. There is solid depth that has Houston Reynolds (pendin on what his brother decides), Blair Tushaus, Marco Thorson and Ryan Freeman in the mix.

There should be plenty of options for Heaps to work with in speadin the pigskin around. If given more freedom to audibles Sir Jake should be able to pick apart opponents and often using weapons like Cody Hoffman, Spencer Hafoka, McKay Jacobsen and Ross Apo. Fans will get their first glimpse of independence against Ole Miss keep in mind this season the rebels were ranked 95th against the pass.

It seemed that life after Harvey the cougs still were able to find ways to get chunks of yards even if by committee. The board room was well represented by JJ DiLuigi, Brian Kariya, and Joshua "Juice" Quezada all of which were more than ample and able providing an exiciting mix of thunder and lightning. Can't forget next season other names in the mix will also include AJ Moore, Adam Hine and Drew Phillips who can be some solid playmakers.

Some of the greatest passes in coug history were made by Clay Brown, Gordon Hudson, Chad Lewis, Jonny Harline, and Dennis Pitta. That is one area that has clearly helped the cougs over the years. Yes, the tight ends. However, last season coug fans never saw one truly emerge consistently from the pack. Next season those contestants will feature Mike Muehlmann, Devin Mahina, Richard Wilson, Austin Holt and Kaneakua Friel fighting for some PT. Somebody clearly needs to step up and soon.

Depth on the defensive line could be an issue. It remains to be seen if Romney Fuga will ever be fully recovered. Eathyn Manumaleuna, Matt Putnam and Thomas Bryson all return including Ian Dulan so experience shouldn't be a factor. Word is cougs could possibly have USC transfer Hebron Fangupo which could prove beneficial.

Linebacker coach Kelly Poppinga should have plenty of talent to work with and develop. Brandon Ogletree has the most experience and has been consistently solid. One would have to assume that Jordan Pendleton should be able to return to full form. Add in freshman stud Kyle Van Noy who has a motor that doesn't stop and Uona Kaveinga. Absolutely love the wealth of talent the cougs have here.

Yes, the cougs will certainly miss Brian Logan, Brandon Bradley and Iron Man Andrew Rich. The secondary still has a wealth of talent, experience and some wheels in Corby Eason, DeQuan Everett, Kori Gaines and Jray Galea'i, Jordan Johnson, Robbie Buckner and Lee Aguirre.

Next season the cougs cupboard should have plenty sitting on the shelves. The cougs will have a wealth of talent, returning experience, favorable schedule and a fresh attitude. Timing for independence couldn't be better. Like Jake gotta give the cougs a thumbs up.