More unknowns on the Spider offense compared to the defense, but still a solid core to build around. The loss of Adam Ross a few weeks before spring was less than ideal, so it will be interesting how this group reacts and regroups heading into the 15 practices.

What to expect

With the offense now fully in Winston October’s control, how much things change will be worth tracking during the spring. I’m not expecting anything too drastic however there should be a few noticeable new wrinkles. Throw in some important positions to sort out on the offensive line and there’s plenty to track during these practices.

Players to watch

Trey Gray/Parker Mitchell – Tackle is the Spiders’ #1 unknown entering 2024. Parker Mitchell was put in a difficult spot in 2023 but handled things fairly well. He worked mostly as a guard during fall camp yet injuries forced him to start at RT down the stretch as a R-Fr. Trey Gray is another Spider who has worked a lot at tackle but has even less game experience. Other names should be in the mix as well however these two are definitely in the mix for a starting spot.

Ja’Vion Griffin – Injuries derailed Griffin for the early part of September however he finished the season as a viable big play threat for the UR offense. Despite only 16 catches he managed over 17 yards/reception. Still only a R-Jr. this season, I’m excited to see what he does this spring. DeGennaro is clearly the top-threat, but there’s no shortage of talent behind him.

Jamaal Brown – Been a while since we had such a young running back room. The Spiders will have four R-Freshman or true-freshman running backs on the roster in 2024, meaning someone new will be getting some touches. Zach Palmer-Smith (transfer from Wagner) figures to play a role however I saw some good things from Jamaal Brown in his four games as a Spider last season. Another Pittsburgh guy who looks comfortable in a more inside-run scheme.

Kade Capristo – Last spring was a clinic on how to prove your starting center’s worth. Snapping the ball, from anyone not named Tom Elia, was an adventure… in not a good way. I’m hoping this spring is less adventurous and R-Fr. Kade Capristo likely has a role in that. Not much to look at from starting interior O-line this spring so hoping I’m see more of Capristo this year. Yet another Pittsburgh guy with potential to make a big impact on this program.

Groups to watch

Tight End – Definitely some attention on who gets the most reps, but even more attention on how tight ends are used. There was a clear focus on adding a top-tier TE from the portal, with offers out to two of the top-10 tight ends. Although Matt Robbert (Cornell) won’t join the Spiders until the fall I’m interested to see how much more of a focal point this group becomes on offense. 11 personnel (one RB, one TE) increased substantially in 2023 and there’s no reason to expect anything different in 2024.

Quarterback – I can talk all the other position groups as much as I want, but who’s playing QB for the Spiders in 2024 is what 95% of y’all care about (and rightfully so). No point in guessing how this will go so I’ll let the first few practices dictate how I view this position group. The contrasting styles of Wickersham/Coleman make it complicated to compare them but that’s what most will be doing this spring. No doubt this group will be the focus of the coverage this spring, and while I too want to see a lot from both guys, I’ll do my best to have the updates not centered solely around QB play.

Next Post

If you enjoy uneducated football opinions then you’ll have plenty to read this spring. Expecting to make it to just about every spring practice so I’ll try and provide brief updates along the way. First update will likely be early next week.