DeptHITS: Monday, August 25
Week Zero is in the books and we'll get some reactions from the small slate and turn our attention to a full slate of action coming our way this week. Get the big news with the #HITS.
With week zero in the books, we are turning our full attention to the full-slate of action coming our way in week one. Headlined by a rematch of the College Football Playoff — Texas at Ohio State — there are so many other games and storylines to follow heading in. This feature is designed to get you the biggest news impacting our depth charts, held up-to-date at all times over at CFBDepth.com »
We’ll hit you with the HITS and then get you an idea of what to expect content-wise this week!
[The number in brackets is our data-driven player rating on a scale of 12. To learn more about our player ratings, check out this article » ]
*Click on the school names (links) to be taken to the full depth chart.
IMPACT INJURY UPDATES ::::::
Alabama ::: We received an injury update on starting RB Jam Miller [14.9], and there were some mixed messages. Let’s get it cleared up. There was some talk that Miller could be out ‘less than expected’ and even potentially make it back after missing just one game with his broken collarbone. It was clarified later that the realistic timetable for return is after the bye against Georgia in week five.
Other injury updates from Kalen DeBoer include one good news and one more concerning. LB James Smith [13.4] is still limited but is fully expected back to be ready to go week one against Florida State. Meanwhile, starting right guard Jaeden Roberts [13.7] is looking much more questionable after getting 'dinged' early in camp; he still is not taking any reps.
Appalachian State ::: More problems for the Appalachian State offensive line as starting C Michael Marotta [10.3] has announced his medical retirement from the game. The Mountaineers aren’t exactly equipped with the kind of depth to handle veteran starters just calling it quits right before the season begins—something to keep an eye on for sure.
Tulsa ::: Starting LB Chris Thompson [11.3] broke his ankle in camp earlier this week and is expected to be out for six weeks. That would put him in line to return to the Hurricane by around weeks 5-6. Thompson brought a veteran presence to this defense. He played at both Auburn and USC before transferring to Tulsa.
North Carolina ::: TarHeel247 reports that the offensive line woes continue early on in Chapel Hill. Now, it appears starting center Christo Kelly [9.8], a Holy Cross transfer, is missing practices and is in danger of missing time. Austin Blaske is already down and out with an injury at this key position. This is another one to keep an eye on the trenches as Bill Belechick may be operating with an experienced center, working with a new quarterback against TCU on opening night.
Colorado ::: Updating a previous report about RB Dallan Hayden [12.3] being absent from practices, it has been confirmed that he is very likely going to miss week one at this point with a hand injury. That impacts depth at running back for the Buffs as Micah Welch remains the lead back and we'll see more of Simeon Price [11.3] in week one against Georgia Tech.
Iowa ::: Good news from Hawkeyes camp as three key players who missed the 'Kids Day' scrimmage are back in action. CB TJ Hall [12.5], and RB Kamari Moulton [14.0] and Terrell Washington Jr. [10.2] have all returned to practice and Ferentz deemed the team 'healthy' and that it's a 'good thing'. Thanks, Coach!
QUARTERBACK BATTLE UPDATES :::::
Michigan ::: As became more clear as camp rolled along, Bryce Underwood [14.1] will start as a true freshman at Michigan. The super recruit beat out Mikey Keene [14.0], who came in from Fresno State (via UCF) this offseason. The whiz kid will get his shot, similar to the way Dylan Raiola was handed the duties right out of the gate for Nebraska a year ago. This is becoming more common practice these days and it may lead to some growing pains, but the long-term reward is well worth it in these cases.
Wake Forest ::: Robby Ashford [14.5] has won the Wake Forest starting quarterback job. The former SEC (South Carolina and Auburn) signal caller will lead the Deacons in 2025. He beat out Charlotte transfer Deshawn Purdie [10.0]. Ashford is known for his athletcism and new head coach Jake Dickert and OC Rob Ezell find him a good fit to run this new offense in Winston-Salem. The updside it certainly there and we’ll keep an eye on things. He’ll be able to ease into things as the Deacons should not face a very stiff test in a transitioning Kennesaw State squad in week one.
South Alabama ::: Bishop Davenport [11.9] holds off Zach Pyron [11.6] to win the right to lead the South Alabama offense in 2025. He'll take over for Gio Lopez, who bolted for North Carolina this off-season. Davenport has experience running the system and is seen as the best fit. Though, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have Pyron waiting in the wings if injury or poor play creep into the picture. Depth. Gotta have it.
Purdue ::: Ryan Browne [13.1] has held off challenger Malachi Singleton [14.2] for the starting role at Purdue. Browne is a returning player who looked into the portal but decided to come back to the Boilers and new head coach Barry Odom. He is just a true sophomore and has a better supporting cast around him, following a rough debut getting thrown into the fire last year.
UTEP ::: Former 5-star USC/Boise State QB Malachi Nelson [14.6] is going to get his shot to lead an offense. He has won the Miners' starting quarterback job over main challenger, Skyler Locklear [12.8]. This is another one with big upside, but also could have been influenced by some NIL-related matters. They will want to see what they have with Nelson, who has not been able to full realize the massive potential expected.
WEEK ZERO TAKEAWAYS :::
Hawaii ::: QB Micah Alejado [12.5] battled through an ankle injury, leading the Warriors to a week zero win over the Stanford Cardinal. It was an inspiring performance, but ankle injuries tend to linger and we'll put him as questionable going forward. In fact, the Warriors were banged up in this game beyond just their starting quarterback. Injuries also befell the following players in-game:
LT Dean Briski [7.7]
MLB Jamih Otis [11.6]
EDGE Tariq Jones [13.2]
CB Virdel Edwards II [12.8]
RG Kuao Peihopa [11.8]
Sam Houston ::: A couple of surprise names led the way in the receiver room in week zero as Grady O'Neill [8.7] and Aviyon Smith-Mack [10.3] each garnered five targets from Hunter Watson. Qua'Vez Humphries [11.8] was neutralized, but remains likely their No. 1 option. Michael Phoenix II [11.6] did not log targets. O'Neill took a big shot late and was placed in concussion protocol.
Meanwhile, starting LG James Dawn II [12.0] missed the week zero game, and it threw this group for a loop. Luke Eckardt [8.9] (LT) and Mich'le Joseph [7.9] (LG) got the nods on the left side of the line and it did not go well for them. Dawn's injury looms a bit large for this group in the future.
CONTENT SCHEDULE ::::::
Monday (Today): DeptHITS
Tuesday (Tomorrow): How To Attack the Game Cards — an explanation on these encompassing/daunting matchup breakdowns.
Wednesday (PM): Opening Night Model Plays
Thursday (PM): Friday Model Plays (PAID subs)
Friday: Week One Impact Injury Tracker
Saturday (AM): Saturday Model Plays (PAID subs)
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