2017 Louisiana Tech Offense: Re-Tool and Re-Focus

USA Today

Remember 2012? Of course you do.

You remember the season opener at Houston. Two quick first quarter touchdown runs from the speedster Tevin King (plus another long one in the second half), one from some freshman named Kenneth Dixon, and three touchdown passes from the California Kid to the tune of 56 points. You remember traveling to Champaign, Illinois to square off against the Fighting Illini, where Colby Cameron’s four touchdown passes to two future NFL wide receivers sparked another 56 point performance and earned him the title of National Manning Star of the Week.

You remember making the bold lunch table prediction that Tech may win one of those back-to-back power five away games, but definitely not both. Then, you remember watching them show up at the University of Virginia and do it all again.

You remember 58 against UNLV, 56 in the first half against Idaho, and -- if you’ve got a pulse, you remember what is without question the greatest loss in school history (I’ll leave it at that).

You remember what was the unquestioned inception of a bold new standard in Ruston, LA.

If you’re new to the fold, then you’ve never even known anything but a high-octane, ballsy, relentless offensive mindset at Joe Aillet Sadium. And that, my friends, is a glorious thing.

Tired of remembering? Of course not. But it’s time to look ahead.

This year’s Louisiana Tech offense promises more of the same, minus a few of those ‘sure things’ that we’ve been used to.

There’s no denying that J’Mar Smith will rightfully be given the opportunity to be the starting quarterback, while all of Bulldog nation waits with bated breath to see if he’s as good as they’ve all dreamed him up to be. Behind him, Blinn Junior College transfer Westin Elliot is a lock for the backup job (though with his size and potential, may not be there for long). Nothing is proven yet, but fans should be able to rest easy knowing that in times of trouble, their understudy will bring about very little drop off in production.

At the running back position, it’s ‘the factory’ working at its finest (did I just give that group their name for this season?). It fits. A squad of steady, blue collar guys willing to rotate, share carries, and spread the wealth to accomplish the goal. Jarred Craft returns for his senior campaign after a 1,000-yard season in 2016. Diminutive but powerful, homerun hitter Boston Scott looks to expand his role and continue to provide electrifying play both in and out of the backfield. Meanwhile, Jaqwis Dancy is quietly harnessing the unbelievable will power he used to beat cancer and looking to inflict it onto opposing defenses in short order. Finally, keep an eye on Bobby Holley – a former walk-on turned scholarship player who will set up as the primary fullback, but has the speed to contribute as a big, bruising tailback in short yardage situations.

Even with the loss of two more of the school’s all-time greats to the NFL, the wide receiver group is without question the deepest on the offensive side of the ball. The emerging number one target is Teddy Veal, a transfer from Tulane with two years of eligibility remaining. Though on the smaller side, he’ll play outside and use his rare mix of hands, speed, and route running ability to build himself into a matchup nightmare.

Coming off a solid 2016 campaign, Kam McKnight is back to provide a big body in the slot that no defensive back will want to hit. Sophomore Alfred ‘Tarzan’ Smith and his flowing locks also return, and looks to further develop what is an already ridiculous raw skill set. Smith has big play ability, is dynamic with the ball in his hands, and should also wreak havoc in the slot. Next up is Marlon Watts, the lanky senior who has done nothing but earn himself more and more playing time throughout his time in Ruston. In a group of shorter receivers, look for him to be a much-needed jump ball guy who will also lay it on the line as a blocker in the run game.

Gifted but unproven players like University of Oklahoma transfer Adrian Hardy and redshirt sophomore Javonte Woodard, returning contributors such as Rhashid Bonnette and Marcus Gaines, and impressive freshmen CeeJay Powell, Zach Cousar, George Scott and Griffin Hebert round out an extremely deep group that is ready to light up eyes and scoreboards all over the country this season.

Finally, Tech’s offensive line continues to plug and play, promoting experienced backups to starters and demanding excellence across the board. You can expect the starting five to be Josh Outlaw, O’Shea Dugas, Ethan Reed, Shane Carpenter, and Gewhite Stallworth. Behind them, look for a mixture of junior college and power five transfers such as Drew Kirkpatrick and Hanner Shipley to provide nice depth and get the ball rolling on becoming the next group of reliable ‘plug and play’ guys.

While it’s always fun to look back and remember the five year birth of Louisiana Tech’s new offensive prowess, it’s important to look ahead and expect to win. This offensive group will be a large part of that equation this season.

Touchdowns are exciting, wins are important, and bowl trophies look nice in the hallways -- but a CUSA championship is the goal. And it’s coming soon.

Remember that.

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