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The quarterback carousel was a wild ride in 2006. Ted Klopf's season
ending injury in Chicago created an opportunity for four other
quarterbacks to take a game day snap during the season. With the
number two quarterback on the depth chart, James Hitchcock, having a
season ending injury himself in the first week, the battle for the offensive
helm lasted the rest of the year.
Now, just weeks into the off season, second year player Ryan Striker
looks to be the incumbent starter heading into the early off season free
agent period. Striker played in only two games this season, but his play
was solid enough to warrant the move up the depth chart. The Lakeville
High School product was a first team All-League Quarterback in 2005.
This was his second appearance on the first team list as he was also an
All-League selection as a defensive back in 2004.
While the quarterback positions is starting to take form from a player
already competing at that position, other depth chart battles look to take
place from position movement. Antwan Brooks proved to be the most
consistent blocker at Right Tackle during 2006. Brooks, who was
originally recruited as a TE, took over the RT spot late and wound up
being an anchor on the offensive line. Now it looks like Brooks will be
returned to his natural position of Tight End. Sixth year veteran Andrew
Clark has proven himself to be a very capable Center over the years,
even though he is considered undersized at only 6'1 and 240 pounds.
That size is ideal as an Insider Backer and early signs point to Clark
being added into the defensive units during off season meetings for
development as a linebacker. Several other position changes are
expected, such as Jeff Tody, the 2006 season's starting safety, being
moved to Outside Linebacker. Having veteran players moved to positions
where they may have the opportunity to excel the most may be one of the
key ingredients to a quick turn around from last seasons horrific record.
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