Was D.J. demoted?

The big talk during practice on Wednesday was the apparent demotion of D.J. Hernandez at wide receiver. He was second on the depth chart behind Kashif Moore (see UConn notebook in today's JI), so the question is, did Kashif Moore beat D.J. Hernandez out for the starting position?

Talking to D.J. after practice it's certain that he didn't think he wasn't beat out for a job. It was a pretty icy exchange. When he was showed the depth chart he said he had no idea what it was.

Hernandez is best used in the slot, the W, while Kashif Moore and Ellis Gaulden are the X and Y receivers. So, is D.J. a starter or not?

Of course he is. The Huskies use three receivers much of the time depending on the packages and the game plan. Hernandez sees much more time than fullback Anthony Sherman. The notion that he was beaten out for the starting spot by Moore is a bit nitpicking. Moore is more suited for the X and is a deep threat. Hernandez could certainly play the X, but he is more suited for the slot where he can work intermediate routes and exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties. That was always his job and position.

Hernandez's position is no different than last year. I don't think that was a surprise looking back on it.

If the Huskies go with two tight ends and a fullback set with one wide receiver, then does that mean Ellis Gaulden and D. J Hernandez were benched? No. It's a question of package.

If Brad Kanuch comes back and beats out Moore for the X spot, D.J. Hernandez stays put at the W, or slot. Moore isn't going to move into Hernandez's position in the slot. Right now, with Kanuch out, if Moore gets hurt D.J. moves to the X and Michael Smith moves into the slot.

D.J. Hernandez is the starting slot receiver whenever that package is used. Same position as last year. He wasn't competing with Moore for the X because his skills are better suited in the slot.

If Brad Kanuch comes back and he bumps Hernandez out of the slot down to the No. 4 receiver, then that is a real demotion. I am not sure how much time Hernandez even spent competing with Moore for the X receiver considering the dearth of candidates.

Hernandez right now is the backup at the X, and starter at the W, which means heavy action in the Huskies offense.

For purposes of those who like a clean depth chart, there are perhaps 13-15 positions that can be considered first team. Fullback, 3rd and 4th wide receivers, and the second tight end are all technically starters.

You need 4 receivers, 2 tight ends and a fullback as part of your base package. That's your first team offense folks.