Projecting the best rookies at every offensive position
By Booger926
We made it, folks. The 1975 USFL season is upon us.
For rookies, this is their first test in the big leagues. While they have been through combine challenges and OTA's, preseason action is where things start to get real. A strong performance could mean an early chance to start, while a rough start could lead to less reps and fewer opportunities to bounce back.
Many of this year's first-year players are already planning to make their mark in training camp, which could be a precursor to a solid run in exhibition game action.
Here are my picks for this year's preseason All-Rookie Offense.
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| David Schmitt, QB, San Jose |
It wasn’t always pretty, but thanks to a good arm and athleticism, Schmitt was darn effective at Oregon. He can be frustratingly reckless when he gets out on the move and chucks the ball into multiple coverage. But funnily enough, it often worked for him. A player who will benefit from some refinement. Reports from our sister media site, The Bugbear Wire, have already stated that the gunslinger has made huge strides early. Built like a prototypical pocket passer and a strong arm, Schmitt should continue to impress this preseason under quarterback guru Edgar Calvin. Even if he's not the Week 1 starter, expect Schmitt's strong preseason to have fans clamoring for him to steal the job by midseason.
Running Back | James Connelly (5’11” 238lbs - Miami (FL) | Houston Gamblers 2-45
A first-round talent who fell to Day 2, Connelly is a home-run threat at every level of the field, and likely the most complete back in the roster. If he can remain healthy, Connelly's speed and vision should make him a preseason star and Houston's Week 1 starter as Robert Carroll's full-time replacement. For a player of his size, Connelly has good speed. He can accelerate out of a cut like a 190-pound runner. His technique will need a little work, but he should be effective as a blocker. The big knock on Connelly is that he’s not that creative of a runner.
Running Back | Michael Chumley (5’11” 235lbs - Arizona St.) | Shreveport 4-118
Chumley might not be the top back in the class, but his physical style and instincts between the tackles could earn him plenty of early carries. His work ethic and competitiveness should make him an early favorite in Ratchet City.
Wide Receiver | Michael Popa (6’1” 209lbs) | Tampa Bay Bandits 1-3
A big and physical receiver, Popa needs polish with his routes but has the size and strength to create late separation when the ball is in the air. He's got the potential to develop into a one-on-one matchup problem outside the hashes and in the red zone due to his size, strength and ball skills. He will have some drops but should make up for it with his wide catch radius and ability to haul in the tough catches in contested situations. His special teams ability should help his chances of carving out a big role early.
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| Michael Sonneberg, Denver |
Denver’s QB Dustin Nichols is smiling. The Gold just added to an already strong receiving corps featuring William Delatorre and Leland Dudley. Sonnenberg compliments those two perfectly. He's a big, strong kid who may not create a lot of separation but will dominate at the catch point. He is an explosive playmaker who can line up in the slot and outside the hashes. He possesses rare speed (4.22 40-yard dash at the combine) but also runs quality routes and is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands both after the catch and as a returner on special teams. Lack of size and durability are concerns.
Wide Receiver | Steve Cody (5’11” 197lbs - Appalachian St.) | Ariz. Wranglers 1-15
Keith Greene has been great as a deep threat, while James Rawlins has lived up to his billing as a true No. 1 receiver. But Arizona needs another difference-maker on the outside, and Cody is the perfect fit. An excellent route-runner and a nightmare to bring down after the catch due to his physicality and explosiveness, Cody should be a force to reckoned with across the middle and down the field.
Tight End | James West (6’3” 266lbs - Brigham Young) | Washington Federals 2-38
The Feds may have gotten the grand slam of the draft by getting West at No. 38 overall. A do-it-all playmaker who shines both as a blocker and pass-catcher. West was rarely used to his full potential in Brigham Young's run-heavy attack. When flexed out, West might as well be considered a No. 1 receiver working across the middle the field. Even with plenty of other mouths to feed in Washinton's passing game, West could be an early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Offensive Tackle | Damon Fisher (6’2” 321lbs – Penn St.) | New Orleans VooDoo 1-27
To the surprise of many, Jerome Johnson called it a career this past week after being traded to Michigan this offseason. That makes it even more imperative that Fisher come along quickly and take over as Vincent Goode’s blind-side protector. He's may not be the most polished pass-blocker in this year's rookie class, but Fishers's athleticism and power make up for a lot. Don't be shocked if he locks himself into the starting gig immediately.
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| Jerry Huang, Philadelphia |
With James Morrison moving back outside to tackle, the left guard spot is up for grabs in Philadelphia. Known for his mean, physical playing style at New Hampshire, Huang was one of my favorite interior linemen from this class due to his quick release and ability to pile-drive defenders on a regular basis. No matter who lines up in the Bell backfield, Huang should be able to provide wide running lanes, land powerful strikes and show this coaches he's everything the team needs to recreate last year's success on the ground.
Center | Rodrigo Stephens (6’3” 280lbs – Virginia) | Jacksonville Bulls 2-54
The Bulls did a solid job adding depth to a depleted offensive line this offseason. Their best addition may have been Stephens, a versatile interior zone blocker from Virginia. Stephen's high football IQ and work ethic should allow him to compete for a starting job at multiple positions. A center by trade, expect a big showing this preseason that should make him a Week 1 starter.
Guard | Kenneth Kurtz (6’4” 313lbs – Ohio State) | Orlando Renagades 1-10
It's not often you hear of a rookie being talked about as a first time ballot shoo in for the Hall of Fame, but then again, Kurtz shouldn't have been available that late at #10. An excellent run blocker with great drive and footwork, Kurtz works his opponents into the ground while creating wide running lanes. He's a well-rounded blocker who can plow the road for running backs and protect the passer effectively. David Judkins was hit 32 times in 1974, but Kurtz should help bring that number down this year.
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| Willis Friesen, San Antonio |
A massive but athletic monster who can play guard or tackle, Friesen has a rare blend of agility and power. His hard-hitting style and nonstop motor should allow Friesen to beat out DeAngelo Laing for the starting job at right tackle. Friesen dealt with some injuries and did not play as well as he did as a junior at San Jose State in 1974. But he has quick feet, good hands and is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the class. He has the ability to line up at all five positions if need be.
