Steele has one of the top records on projections. Credit card players lost:
Scarlett was in shape and fast and very good at breaking tackles which was needed with our out of shape OL.
Callaway has moral issues but is a proven play maker with speed.
We lost a top OT back up and LB depth was a major issue. LosING defensive leader Harris also hurt.
I think Steele is completely reasonable in that statement.
Scarlett might be our 3rd most complete back on the roster. And you assume he was fast and in shape, being we never saw him in game action.
He was a strong straight line runner with the ability to complete miss on pass blocking assignments.
Callaway, had the potential to be a play maker, also would disappear for games. He had the same problem most of the recievers had poor route running. Talent was never an issue, mental/attitude was.
Callaway broke 50 yards receiving in only 12 of the 26 games he played. Had a grand total of 8 tds (1 rushing) in 26 games played at Wide Receiver (He did have a passing TD on a trick play). So how is an inconsistent receiver going to fix what was fundamentally wrong with the offense.
He did have 3 return touchdowns (1 KO, 2 Punt) which is impressive over 26 games (55 punt, 6 KO returns)
Our top back OL was a Freshman... Seriously? I liked the kids size, but if our best backup linemen (OT) is a true freshman then we were already fcked. Also we lost two 3* true Freshman linebacker, with Houston already goin to be sidelined due to recovery from ACL injury in 2015.
That doesn't change the offensive and defensive personnel and schemes we had already seen for two previous years. The play calling would have been just as bad without the talent from the previous years to keep the games close.