[EKUAlum05]

Three specific Pirates stand out to me as we head into the offseason:

1. Josh Robinson- Robinson was night and day from his Sophomore season, specifically on defense and his Junior season looks very similar to Josh Dixon's. Dixon leaves a huge void on defense as he was the enforcer and the guy you knew was going to be there to stop a big play with his sure tackling.

If I am Robinson I am living off protein shakes and busting my butt on the gym and doing some speed training this summer to pick up an extra step. He has the potential to be the big, physical back Belfry needs opposite of Johnson and he could be a dominating Safety IMO.

2. Zach Thacker- Probably the most pleasant surprise this season was the play of Thacker at CB. He not only showed great cover skills, but he straight up would hit someone. I don't know if Haywood will play Sani both ways, so it is paramount for Thacker to become the CB capable of shutting down the opposing team's top WR.

Another kid that 15 lbs of muscle and a step quicker could turn into a beast on defense.

3. Tony Messer- Love watching this kid play and I think it will only be natural that with Warren coming on he will see more balls come his way on offense. Defensively he was huge for Belfry with numerous big plays and critical stops, maybe even All-State worthy. I truly thin Messer can earn a scholarship if he gets stronger and continues to work on his footwork.

Offensively, if I am Messer (and any SE) I am becoming Sani's best friend and running routes with him all summer to get timing down. When the running game is humming and thye have 10 in the box, I want to be the guy Sani throws a quick lob to so I can get beind the D and be 1 on 1 vs. a 5'9 DB in the open field. I want to be his 6'5 security blanket who can out jump anyone when he has to get a completion on 3rd and 8. If those two can find a rapport with each other, and Belfry can find a SE who can get down the field like Dotson did, then I feel the Pirate passing game will become very formidable.