I’ve gone back and forth on this very topic as well. Ultimately, I think he’s got enough there to get within that threshold of 8-10 wins (max).
As we saw in the Spring game, a healthy Restrepo helps the offense as a whole, but it’s no doubt his security blanket. He’s probably a top three-ish slot guy in the conference, I think? He seemed comfortable trusting Ray-Ray too (who I think will have a very fine freshman campaign and showed good wiggle in open space, something that’s been lacking at the position for far too long). Between those two, I like where we stand against opposing nickel guys. TE has to be the best spot on paper with Skinner, the highly anticipated return of Arroyo (speaking of,
@JustAFanHTX how’s he coming along?), and Riley Williams ready in the wings. All three can flash outside the hashes if need be, and I think Dawson will utilize mismatches with those three very early and often. Big bodied targets with good hands and good speed/strength in traffic.
So it’s really going to come down to the outside guys. Colbie probably has one spot locked down, but he needs to take that next step and become the bonafide #1 guy. Hopefully those speed measurable updates are true, because if he’s that fast now…he’s going to be an absolute problem. 1K potential for sure.
Between George, Kirk, Horton…someone needs to step up. Can’t rely on Harrell given his injury past. Anything we get out of him I’ll be happy about, he’s blazing fast when healthy and opens the offense up completely. Just need to bubble wrap him til September. I think Redding and Ladson are relegated to third string/red zone guys at best, wouldn’t be surprised to see one hit the portal post fall. My money is on George putting it all together and cementing himself as WR2, and if he does…TVD should have no excuses.