Projected Starters Week 1 (Offense)

Here’s a quick breakdown as what I see to be the projected starting lineup for the Bears this season. Of course, this is fluid and can and will likely change week to week. But here’s what we’re likely looking at as of now.

QB: Zach Maynard
Despite some talk about the QB competition being very competitive and Maynard needing to do his part to hold off redshirt sophomore Allan Bridgford and senior Brock Mansion, it appears Tedford seems pleased enough that it would be an absolute shock for Maynard not to be the starter this season.

The competition seems limited to the critical backup spot between Bridgford and Mansion, though I’d bet on Bridgford being QB2 at this point.

RB: Isi Sofele
By most comments, Tedford appears to be sold on Sofele as the starter, and has even suggested that Sofele will see his reps decrease the next few weeks because they know what they have in him. Sofele never projected to be a back that was built to get 20+ carries a game anyway, so he should be conditioned to be as explosive as he can be with 15 touches he should get each game. Either way, his jobs seems safe.

Covaughn Deboskie-Johnson seems to be closer to locking up the second running back spot. He’s reported to camp in the best shape of his life, and more focused than ever to contribute strongly to the running game this year.

The competition then would surround the number 3 spot, with Dasarte Yarnway, CJ Anderson, and true freshman Brendon Bigelow. Yarnway has had a strong camp so far coming off his knee injury. Anderson appears to have very good flashes, but is still learning to play at Coach Gould’s standards in terms of ball security and pass protection. Bigelow has the most promise of any back on the roster, but the staff won’t really know what they have until they see him in more live game situations given his major knee injuries.


Fullback: Will Kapp?
Eric Stevens’ season ending ACL tear during the first camp is a big blow to the offense, as he appeared to get better and better in his first year as a starter last season. However, Will Kapp and John Tyndall both got reps and started a few games last year and should hopefully plug right in.

I was going to say that Kapp would take the first teams snaps now because of experience, but now we're receiving reports of Kapp being a walking boot, so we'll see how long he's out.

Wide Receiver: Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen.
Little surprise here. Jones and Allen return as one of the conference’s best pass catching duos, and both should put up solid numbers this year.

The third wide receiver spot will be the most competitive, with seniors Colemon Edmond and Michael Calvin being the most likely competitors for the spot. Edmond and Calvin have had very strong camps so far and are big physical receivers who can compliment Jones and Allen quite well. Edmond has a more of a speed edge than Calvin which may ultimately prove to be the deciding factor.

Speedster Kaelin Clay had a real shot at the spot until he injured his knee last week, and will be out three weeks, making his participation in the season opener questionable.

Tight End: Anthony Miller
Again, little surprise. If the senior Miller can return to his sophomore campaign form, and if the Bears can better utilize the tight end more in their passing game, Miller can be in the discussion for all-conference honors by the end of the season.

Spencer Ladner who locked up the second tight end position last year has been battling injuries throughout camp. If he isn’t good to go, look for converted wide receiver Spencer Hagan to jump in. Hagan has put on quite a bit of weight under Coach Blasquez’ S&C program, and has quite the pair of hands.

Redshirt frosh Jacob Wark is likely next up, and depending on Ladners’ status, true freshman Richard Rodgers could see some reps here as well.

Offensive Tackles: Mitchell Schwartz and Matt Summers-Gavin
Schartz has battled a hamstring injury for most of camp thus far and has just recently begun getting back into the swing of things. There’s still a little ambiguity as to which tackle will take the right tackle position (Zach Maynard’s blindside), but as of now, look for Schwartz to stay at left tackle with MSG on the right side.

Depth is a huge issue here, with Tyler Rigsbee backing up Schwartz and Bill Tyndall and Matt Williams available at either tackle position. However, needless to say, we’re one ankle sprain away from having big questions at the tackle position.

Offensive Guards: Brian Schwenke (LG) and Justin Cheadle (RG)
Both returning starters Schwenke and Cheadle return to provide some nice experience on the inside. Both have played a lot of games for the Bears, however, they’re going to be pushed quite a bit by some of the younger players.

Alejandro Crosthwaite was a highly recruited lineman coming out of high school and has been coming on strong. Geoff Gibson is an absolute monster of a guard prospect and looks even better after having shed some pounds over the summer. He’ll certainly give Cheadle a run for his money. It will be interesting to see if his physicality and size wins out over Cheadle’s experience.

Center: Dominic Galas
Galas a bit of an undersized, but physical mauler. Imagine Marvin Phillips with Alex Mack’s mentality. He’s got the athleticism and mindset to be dominant in the running game, but questions still remain as to how he’ll compete against some of the bigger interior lineman in the conference in passing downs.

However, he seems to be doing enough to hold off Mark Brazinski and Chris Adcock. Both of those two will compete for the backup spot, and if pushed, I’d go with Brazinski here.