Toledo Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Quick spring summary

Concerns at linebacker, where two seniors departed, have quieted. Junior Sylvestre (weakside) and Trent Voss (star) are two of the best athletes on the team, and the battle to replace middle linebacker Dan Molls, the nation’s leading tackler in 2012, went well.

Redshirt freshman Jaylen Coleman and sophomore Chase Murdock both played well at the team’s two public scrimmages. This unit has a chance to lead the defense. I would not have said that before the spring.

Name a few players who could have breakout seasons

Redshirt freshman Damion Jones-Moore, a pocket-size running back, elicited high marks. He likely won’t have a major role in the fall, as 20-25 carries will go to senior David Fluellen (1,498 yards in 2012) but Jones-Moore could emerge as a nice complement piece. He is compact and difficult to bring down on first contact.

I’m not sure if linebacker Sylvestre, a part-time starter in 2012, qualifies as an unknown, but I expect him to make a leap. His coaches call Sylvestre a “freak,” a nod to his running a 4.5 40 and dominating the weight room. His moving to weak side from star, where he was an odd fit playing in space, is receiving strong early returns. Sylvestre, whom defensive coordinator Tom Matukewicz called the MVP of the spring, cleaned up everything that came his way in the spring.

Position group grades

QB – B  (Depth behind returning starter Terrance Owens is a concern, though true freshman Logan Woodside showed promise and sewed up the back up spot),

RB – A

WR – B+

TE – B-

OL – A-  (Three starters were out in the spring with injuries, but this unit will be good. Zac Kerin and Greg Mancz are two of the best linemen in the MAC).

DL – B-

LB – B

CB – B

S – C+

K-A  (Jeremiah Detmer epitomizes reliability. He made 17 straight FGs to end last season and made two more in the spring game).

P-C+

KR/PR- A  (Bernard Reedy scored four TDs in the return game in 2012.)

Are there any “surprises” to  expect in 2013?

The spring didn’t offer any major revelations. The defense, despite losing several quality seniors, could take a step forward in the second year under Matukewicz. The overall speed and skill on that side of the ball is high. Experience is a concern.

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Ryan Autullo, the Toledo beat reporter for the Toledo Blade provided the information for our Toledo Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up.  For more Toledo  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Ryan on Twitter @AutulloBlade.

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