What Each Top 25 Team Is Hoping for Between Now and Fall Camp
With spring camps long in the books and fall camps still a few months away, the summer represents a time of relative quiet on the college football calendar. Teams aren't on the practice fields, as players and coaches step out of the spotlight for a while.
But that doesn't mean major developments aren't being made behind the scenes.
The summer is when teams get stronger physically and mentally, as players hit the weight rooms and the playbooks. Incoming freshmen are brought into the fold before practice gets underway again, and unity starts to grow for those who make up this year's rosters.
These next few months can go a long way in determining how far forward—or backward—a team went between seasons.
Here is what each team in Bleacher Report's Post-Spring Practice Top 25 is hoping to see by the time practice returns this fall.
25. Boise State
1 of 25
Someone stepping up at running back
The battle for the Broncos' starting quarterback job between sophomore Ryan Finley, sophomore Tommy Stuart and freshman Brett Rypien is expected to continue into fall camp. In the meantime, Boise State needs to see improvement this summer out of a host of running backs who must replace the production of the departed Jay Ajayi (1,823 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2014).
"[Running back] might be the most intriguing position in fall camp, unless somebody makes a run at Finley," the Idaho Statesman's Chadd Cripe wrote. "The Broncos need to count on a tailback as they break in the new quarterback—the offensive line returns intact, so the run game should be a strength—but none of these guys is a proven commodity."
Devan Demas, Jeremy McNichols and Jack Fields have each recorded a few carries in their college careers, and they will be joined by redshirt freshman Cory Young in the race for a new No. 1. Each of these backs has a huge summer ahead of him, because the team needs to see a leader emerge by the start of the season.
24. Georgia Tech
2 of 25
New chemistry at skill positions
Georgia Tech's top four in rushing yards—outside of returning quarterback Justin Thomas—and top four in receiving yards were all seniors for the Orange Bowl champions in 2014. Now it's time to replace them.
Paul Johnson's flexbone offense demands great chemistry and timing between all the skill players on offense. The summer is a perfect time for Georgia Tech's new playmakers to build that chemistry with Thomas and the rest of the attack.
"Going into last season, with the group of guys we had, they’d already been in the system for four or five years," Thomas told Sports Illustrated's Zac Ellis in April. "They knew what they were doing. This year is built for—I wouldn’t say coaching, but getting the guys together and just making sure everybody’s on the same page."
23. Nebraska
3 of 25
Greater knowledge of the roster
Mike Riley and his staff are still in their first few months in Lincoln. Even after spring practice, they're most likely still learning about their new players and how they best fit into the systems coming into place at Nebraska.
The offense is making the move from a zone-read spread attack to the pro-style one Riley favored while he was the head coach at Oregon State. On defense, new coordinator Mark Banker is bringing different philosophies to the Huskers, including quarters coverage.
With all these changes happening in just one offseason, continued evaluation of the Huskers roster should be a top priority for the new staff. Even though Nebraska can't hit the practice field, Riley and his assistants can continue to learn all about what they inherited from Bo Pelini.
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22. LSU
4 of 25
Improvement at quarterback
LSU head coach Les Miles continues to talk of a two-quarterback system this fall for the Tigers, who have former starters Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings atop the depth chart.
Even if Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can manage to make such a system work with two similar quarterbacks, Harris and Jennings need to improve from LSU's disappointing 8-5 season. Jennings only completed 48.9 percent of his passes and threw seven interceptions, while Harris went an abysmal 3-of-14 passing against a bad Auburn defense in his only start of the season.
According to Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee, Miles said after spring practices both quarterbacks "are playing much better" than what they showed last fall. If the Tigers hope to compete for titles this season, they will need for that improvement to continue from Harris and Jennings throughout the summer and into fall camp.
21. Oklahoma State
5 of 25
An answer to the running game
Once a strength to its high-powered offense, the running game at Oklahoma State has been in a state of sharp decline over the last two years.
In 2011 and 2012, the Cowboys ranked in the top five nationally in total offense. But without a 1,000-yard rusher in each of its last two seasons, Oklahoma State has fallen to No. 37 and then No. 85 nationally in total yards per game.
Without a true weapon at running back, Oklahoma State's offense has become one-dimensional and ineffective. Whether it's returning leading rusher Rennie Childs (294 yards and three touchdowns) or junior college signees Chris Carson or Todd Mays, the Cowboys need to revitalize their offense this offseason with a new leader at running back.
20. Arizona
6 of 25
New names in the pass rush
Scooby Wright did everything for the Arizona defense last season on his way to filling his trophy case with individual awards and accolades. While the Wildcats coaches would love to see the same numbers from their All-American linebacker in 2015, Bleacher Report's Brian Pedersen notes they want to see other players get to the quarterback.
Finding new answers in the pass rush was a key goal for the Wildcats this spring, and that work should continue throughout this summer, because Arizona's staff is looking for Wright to bring his shutdown abilities on third downs to the passing game.
"Arizona had 38 sacks last season, but 14 came from Wright, who often lined up at defensive end on third downs because of the UA’s lack of a pass rush," the Arizona Daily Star's Daniel Berk wrote. "But this year, [head coach Rich] Rodriguez and [defensive coordinator Jeff] Casteel would like to use Wright more in coverage on third downs and be able to rely on other players to get in the backfield."
19. Texas A&M
7 of 25
A fierce quarterback battle
Kyle Allen is expected to reclaim the starting quarterback job he held for the Aggies at the end of last season, but he's no longer the only 5-star quarterback in town.
Kyler Murray turned down professional baseball this spring to become a Texas A&M quarterback, and the Aggies coaches have repeatedly said Murray will have a chance to unseat Allen as the starting quarterback in College Station before the start of the 2015 season.
Murray's presence on campus this summer represents a win-win situation for Texas A&M and its fans. Murray could prove he is the better fit and win the starting job over Allen, or he could push Allen to improve his game. Either way, the upcoming Texas summer is about to heat up in a whole new way.
18. Arkansas
8 of 25
More development from Brandon Allen
Arkansas' offense might be built on bruising running backs and monstrous offensive linemen, but the Razorbacks also have one of the few returning starters at quarterback in the entire SEC—senior Brandon Allen.
"Noting that several SEC West opponents will have new quarterbacks, [Arkansas head coach Bret] Bielema says he expects at least as much improvement from senior quarterback Brandon Allen as he made between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, and has challenged him to 'be the best quarterback in the SEC,'" USA Today's George Schroeder wrote.
Allen already made great progress from 2013 to 2014, cutting his interception total in half and throwing for 20 touchdowns for a much-improved Arkansas offense. If he can continue to move forward between the 2014 and 2015 seasons, his leadership and passing ability could make the Razorbacks a serious contender in the SEC West.
17. Oklahoma
9 of 25
Successful summers for defensive newcomers
Much like Boise State, Oklahoma has multiple contenders in a high-profile starting quarterback battle that most likely won't be settled until fall practices.
But what the Sooners could use right now is improvement in their defense, which allowed at least 30 points in all five of the losses of their disappointing 2014 campaign. As the defensive coaching staff changes some responsibilities this offseason, the players have to replace the talents of several key starters.
The Sooners will rely on leadership of players such as senior linebacker Eric Striker this summer as younger players are forced to step up in the depth chart. Oklahoma needs major progression in these prospective starters, especially in a secondary that finished 120th in the country last season.
16. Florida State
10 of 25
A comfortable Everett Golson in the offensive system
The former Notre Dame quarterback arrives in Tallahassee this offseason with hopes of replacing Jameis Winston as the Florida State starter. Although Golson won't be able to go through live practice until fall camp, he can definitely build trust and rapport with his new teammates this summer.
One of the biggest transitions Golson will have to make is the move from Notre Dame's spread scheme to more of a pro-style attack with the Seminoles. Head coach Jimbo Fisher will most likely tweak some aspects of the offense to better fit the mobile Golson, but he won't completely reinvent an offense that went on a title-winning tear with Winston.
This summer will be crucial for Golson as he learns the Florida State offense and takes the necessary steps toward becoming the ACC power's new signal-caller.
15. Tennessee
11 of 25
A return to health
According to Bleacher Report's Brad Shepard, 16 Volunteers—nearly one-fifth of the roster—were held out of Tennessee's spring game this year because of injuries.
Several of these injured players, including defensive end Derek Barnett, defensive tackle Danny O'Brien and star early enrollees Kyle Phillips and Darrin Kirkland, are expected to play important roles for Tennessee this season.
While the injury woes allowed some reserves to get important reps in the spring, the Volunteers need these players to get back to 100 percent by the time fall camp begins. If Tennessee is at full strength, it could challenge for the SEC East crown. If not, the big season could be another year away in Knoxville.
14. Arizona State
12 of 25
No drop-offs at wide receiver
The Sun Devils' biggest challenge this offseason is replacing the production of wide receiver Jaelen Strong, who recorded 1,165 receiving yards last season before going to the Texans in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft.
To make matters even more difficult for the Sun Devils, their No. 2 receiver from last season, junior Cameron Smith, underwent major knee surgery this spring and will be out for the entire 2015 campaign.
Now without its top receiver and its top vertical threat from 2014, Arizona State needs to improve on its largely unproven receiving corps for the 2015 season, which added UCLA graduate transfer Devin Lucien this offseason. This summer will be a big one for the development and the future of the Sun Devils' passing game.
13. Georgia
13 of 25
Quick starts for the newcomers
Georgia's 2015 recruiting class, which finished No. 6 in 247Sports' final composite team rankings, has a handful of blue-chip stars who could play important roles in their first season in Athens.
No. 1 overall recruit Trent Thompson should immediately fit into the Bulldogs' defensive line rotation, and 5-star athlete Terry Godwin has the potential to become a starter for a Georgia team that has to replace its top two receivers from last season. On top of those two players, Georgia also has a dozen 4-star players who might grab early minutes this fall.
With many of them arriving on campus this summer, Georgia needs to get these newcomers up to speed. The more they become accustomed to their new teammates and playbooks, the more they could be difference-makers for a Georgia team eyeing a SEC title in 2015.
12. Clemson
14 of 25
Stronger play from the offensive line
As quarterback Deshaun Watson looks to return from a torn ACL and lead the Clemson offense this fall, all eyes are now on the players in charge of protecting him—the offensive line, which is projected to have four senior starters this season.
"We’re really, really excited about our offensive line," Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney told the Independent Mail's Brad Senkiw. "As pleased and excited as I’ve been since I’ve been at Clemson 12 years. They’ve got the right makeup. That first group has the chemistry, the want-to, the desire, the toughness, the knowledge. That’s a group right now that’s really doing a nice job for us."
Clemson needs to cut down on its number of sacks allowed—the Tigers ranked in the top half of the ACC in that category in 2014—and protect Watson with their lives in 2015. The constant competition from four early-enrollee offensive linemen will push the senior-led first team to keep improving throughout the summer.
11. Ole Miss
15 of 25
Healthy offensive linemen
Ole Miss is another team that needs improvement across its front five, but it doesn't have the depth or health of Clemson at the position.
The offensive line continues to be a position of major concern for the Rebels, who allowed the third-most sacks in the SEC last season—including five in their humiliating blowout loss to TCU in the Peach Bowl.
According to the Clarion Ledger's Hugh Kellenberger, star left tackle Laremy Tunsil and left guard Aaron Morris were out all spring, along with reserves Robert Conyers, Daronte Bouldin, Davion Johnson, Sean Rawlings and Talbot Buys.
Even though Tunsil has been excellent during his time in Oxford, the rest of the offensive line needs to improve in order for Ole Miss to consistently compete for the SEC title. But first, these linemen have to get healthy, which is the first of the big hurdles ahead for the unit.
10. UCLA
16 of 25
Greater knowledge of Tom Bradley's defense
After the Bruins' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich left to take a job with the NFL's Falcons, UCLA went with longtime college assistant Tom Bradley this offseason. The move brings a new way of playing defense in Los Angeles—the "bend, don't break" style that Bradley was known for during his many years at Penn State.
"He doesn’t care how many yards of offense we give up," linebacker Myles Jack told Sports Illustrated's Colin Becht. "He doesn’t care about that. At the end of the day, all that really matters to him is points. I completely agree with that. If [our opponents] get 400 yards and zero points, we can laugh about that."
With head coach Jim Mora staying quiet about the future of the starting quarterback job, the attention turns to Jack and the Bruins defense this summer. More work in the new defensive system will go a long way in determining how successful UCLA will be in 2015.
9. Auburn
17 of 25
Some good news in recruiting
Auburn has a lot of transitions to make this offseason, from handing the offense's reins to quarterback Jeremy Johnson to adjusting to new coordinator Will Muschamp's defense.
But an area in which the Tigers are extremely behind is recruiting, especially after 5-star wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers' decommitment. Auburn currently sits at No. 32 in the country for the class of 2016, which is only good enough for 10th in the SEC. For a program that consistently grabs top-10 recruiting classes, this slow start to the cycle is somewhat of a surprise.
The summer will be important in the makeup of Auburn's recruiting haul, and it starts this upcoming weekend with the annual "Big Cat Weekend." If Auburn can continue making progress with the many 5- and 4-stars on campus and pick up some commitments this summer, the Tigers will be back on track.
8. Oregon
18 of 25
More discipline on the field
Even with all of its success in 2014, Oregon still finished the season with one of the worst marks in penalties—73 yards per game, which put them at No. 119 in the country.
As the offense adapts to life without Marcus Mariota and the defense replaces several veterans, the Ducks would be well-served to leave the penalty-heavy ways of the past behind them. Oregon had 10 penalties in each of its two losses and two of its closer-than-expected wins against Washington State and Cal.
This summer, Oregon should work on becoming a more disciplined football team and cut down on the mistakes that hand opposing teams free yards. If Mark Helfrich's team can do that, Oregon's potential for the future would become even scarier.
7. Notre Dame
19 of 25
A confident Malik Zaire for 2015
With Everett Golson transferring to Florida State, Notre Dame is officially now living in the Malik Zaire era.
After a strong performance in the Music City Bowl to cap the 2014 season, Zaire had an up-and-down spring as the spotlight on him got brighter. Now that Golson is officially out, Notre Dame has no choice but to do everything it can to make sure Zaire is prepared to be the star quarterback in 2015.
Zaire can continue to develop the offensive rhythm he needs with his fellow starters this summer and make sure he's completely immersed in the playbook. Perhaps the knowledge that he's now the clear-cut starter for the Irish will give the confidence Zaire needs to grow in his game and lead a title contender this fall.
6. USC
20 of 25
Familiarity for stars on the move
Two of the biggest defensive names on USC's roster will take on new responsibilities this season. Top safety Su'a Cravens has moved closer to the line of scrimmage as a linebacker, while cornerback Adoree' Jackson is set to play on offense more during his sophomore season.
Both of these moves look great for the Trojans on paper. Cravens was a menace in opposing backfields last season as a defensive back, and Jackson has the elite athleticism to be a game-changer in all three phases of the game.
Cravens and Jackson will continue to get used to their new roles in the coming months. A greater sense of familiarity could spur these two players toward massive seasons in 2015 for a USC team that is once back in the conversation as a national title contender.
5. Alabama
21 of 25
Development of the potential starters at quarterback
For a second straight season, the quarterback race is commanding all the offseason headlines at Alabama. Without a doubt, this is the single-biggest question facing the Crimson Tide as they look to get back into the national title game in 2015.
Bleacher Report's Marc Torrence wrote earlier this month:
"The major item to take care of in the personnel department will be under center, where Alabama has a couple of promising candidates, but none that appear ready to take over the job and lead the team. Jake Coker and David Cornwell look like the front-runners, and the offseason will be an extremely critical time for both of them.
"
As Torrence notes, the offseason proved to be an important time for Coker last year in terms of learning the playbook and his new teammates. While all of the candidates for Alabama's starting job are already established on campus, they can continue to grow in those two areas this summer.
4. TCU
22 of 25
A new wave of starting linebackers and defensive backs
Despite playing in a conference known for destructive offenses—and giving up 782 yards to one of those in 2014—TCU finished 18th in the country last season in total yards allowed per game. As much focus as there is on Trevone Boykin and the Horned Frogs offense, Gary Patterson's defense could be what makes TCU a serious title team in 2015.
That being said, TCU is replacing several starters on that fierce defense from last season, including star outside linebacker Paul Dawson. The defensive backfield will have three new players on the top of the depth chart this season alongside safety Derrick Kindred.
If TCU can handle the defensive departures, it will be a loaded squad capable of winning it all in 2015. Continuing to get these new starters, such as junior cornerback Ranthony Texada and true freshman linebacker Mike Freeze, adjusted to their bigger roles this summer will be vital for Patterson and his team.
3. Michigan State
23 of 25
"Saltiness" from the secondary
Michigan State has plenty of depth and experience across its depth chart, but the secondary looks to be an issue heading into 2015. The Spartans will have to combat the departures of stars Trae Waynes and Kurtis Drummond in the secondary, and they could have a third new starter this fall.
According to MLive.com's Mike Griffith, Michigan State co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Harlon Barnett "told returning players and recruits that both cornerback positions are open." Those battles among a handful of returning players and newcomers at defensive back should continue this summer and into the fall.
This fall, the Michigan State coaching staff is looking for the secondary to have a "salty presence," according to Griffith. That salt should build up across the summer months as these players continue to compete for spots on this physical defense.
2. Baylor
24 of 25
A seamless transition to Seth Russell
Bryce Petty is off to the NFL, and Russell is set to be the new quarterback to handle Baylor's hyperspeed offense. And the innovator of that offense, head coach Art Briles, sounds like a coach with a ton of confidence in his new starter.
"We’ve got a lot of confidence in Seth," Briles told Sporting News' Matt Hayes. "You don’t get the keys to the Ferrari if you’re not ready to drive it."
As the Bears prepare to become the nation's best offense once again and move toward becoming national title contenders, they must continue to make Russell comfortable behind the wheel of that Ferrari. The talk around Waco is that Russell could be the best quarterback Baylor has ever seen, and proving that will take the effort of the entire team around him.
1. Ohio State
25 of 25
Zero complacency
Ohio State should be the unanimous No. 1 team in college football when the first official preseason polls are released. The talent the Buckeyes have back from a team that won it all is staggering, and a repeat wouldn't be a surprise at all.
But, as Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod wrote in March, the biggest challenge facing Urban Meyer and his team is making sure that hype doesn't go to their heads. National titles aren't won on paper in the summer, and the Buckeyes have to keep an eye on any sense of entitlement in their ranks.
That challenge will be constant this summer as the preseason hype continues to build around Ohio State. If the defending champions can guard against that mindset and focus on becoming even better, they will be strong favorites to deliver on all that hype this season.
Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Justin Ferguson is an on-call college football writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
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