Randy Edsall wrap-up

Here are some thoughts Randy Edsall had wrapping up the season:

Most importantly, the thing the team has to develop is the vertical passing game. No question about that. The team has to improve upfront and they have to get Tyler Lorenzen to make some quicker decisions according to Edsall. It's about productivity in the passing game. Let's be clear -- Randy said all jobs are open for next year. And the WRs are more open than others.

"We need to develop a vertical game." Edsall said. "The big things on offense are upfront and at wide receiver. There are some older guys who are playing that could lose out to other guys."

Edsall was adamant that the team needed more athletes and speed at wide receiver. Huskies can run the ball. They Need to stretch the field.

And for all the gripers out there, I asked about the conservative play calling (in a convoluted way because I was distracted halfway through the question, but Edsall got the point and was nice enough to answer).

"We did things and played close to the vest and used defense and special teams to win games. We do have to be more productive offensively. We will do game plan that give us the best chance to win."

"Play calling comes down to execution. 4th and 1, if we execute it we don’t have a problem. What you have to do as a coach you take a look at personnel and put a game plan together that gives you an opportunity to win.

But, there are things we have to do to help ourselves. Next year I am not sure we will be able to play the same way (and win). We got to be able to be more prolific and more productive in the passing game. Being aggressive isn’t just down the field. Yeah, we got to throw it deep to get people out of you, but you want to be able to catch things and makes yards after the catch."

There are recruits coming in that could see time right away at wide receiver and the only guy that Edsall mentioned without being prodded was Kashif Moore.

The challenge is out to holdover Terence Jeffers (inconsistent), Kanuch (not productive enough)and D.J. Hernandez.

As far as QB, Tyler Lorenzen is the starter, but I don't think for one moment that Edsall would hesitate to make a change if say another quarterback on the roster is better. Zach Frazer is the big unknown, but he has a reputation as a big armed quarterback and he is so highly sought after coming out of high school. Lorenzen has to make quicker decisions. He doesn't make bad decisions, they just weren't coming quick enough. The competition will be good for Lorenzen.

On offense, look for the O-Line to be pushed by the three freshmen in Gary Bardzdak, MO Petrus and Mike Ryan. Edsall likes all three a lot. Line wasn't physical and didn't explode off the ball.

As far as holes on defense, Edsall is excited about what is coming back. There is talent all over the field. Danny Lansanah is a big blow, but they are loaded at linebacker and Jarrell Miller and others are ready to step in. Dan Davis is a loss at tackle, but not irreplaceable. Tyvon Branch turned into a great player, but they have some major talent here also. Robert McClain,Jasper Howard and other redshirts are in the mix.They have some more defensive talent coming in.

Edsall hinted at some changes on the defense, not sure if it is going to be scheme or positional changes (Lutrus inside again?) but if your 4 best players are linebackers why not have them all on the field? I am sure they are going to use that defensive talent somewhere.

As far as NFL:

Scouts have talked to Edsall about Branch and Donald Thomas -- no surprises. Branch is someone Edsall would be shocked that isn't drafted. Branch has speed, size and can tackle, and plays special teams and is a very good kick returner. Is he a corner or safety? Depends on the system Edsall said that the pro team is playing. He is fast.

Edsall said Thomas is at the least a priority free agent, and depending on workouts could nudge into the draft. He is so raw, but has such athletic ability. Scary thing is Edsall thinks his best football is in front of him.

Branch and Thomas along with Danny Lansanah were invited to the NFL combine, though Edsall wasn't absolutely positive about all three. Definitely Branch. Players tend not to talk to coaches about the NFL until after the season. You got to start making plans now however.

Other seniors like Larry Taylor and Dan Davis are long shots for the NFL. Larry Taylor could be a threat in the CFL however with his return ability. Arena League could call for LT. Davis has a injury history so he may be red flagged. They will get a shot.

Edsall didn't say how many scholarships they will give out. You don't have to get down to 85 until the summer. Inevitably, there will be some player attrition. That's just the way it works. No January enrollment as of now, but there still may be, though Edsall said nothing is imminent.