LA Tech Spring Storylines: 10-6

10. Jared Craft and Boston Scott return at RB, but what can Tech expect from Jaqwis Dancy?

He has already accomplished more than anyone could have ever asked of him by defeating Hodgkins-lymphoma. His story is much bigger than football, but football is all he’s ever wanted to do. He will get his chance this year as he enters a backfield lead by the powerful Jarred Craft and the speedy Boston Scott. Expect the Junction City native to add a completeness to the crew that Scott and Craft cannot. Dancy possesses a combination of athleticism, speed, and power that is unrivaled. For a team that just lost its top two sources of production, Dancy’s presence could be invaluable in creating big plays, while also stabilizing the depth the offense maintained last season. He has been through a lot and hasn’t played many live snaps of football since high school, but the potential for greatness has never waned.

9. Price Wilson, Jack Abraham, Jon Randall Belton – who wins the backup QB job?

While J’Mar Smith is the clear leader in the QB race heading into spring, the backup QB situation is not quite as clear. Price Wilson returns for his redshirt junior season, to go along with two redshirt freshmen in Jack Abraham and Jon Randall Belton. Wilson, a pocket passer from Marietta, GA, has seen a small amount of time in his Bulldog career. He does, however, bring a great deal of arm talent to the table that could lead to success down the road. Abraham is coming off his redshirt year, but did have a nice fall camp in 2016 before suffering a minor knee injury. Though on the smaller side, Abraham put up video game-like numbers in high school --throwing for over 12,000 yards and 130 touchdowns. Abraham’s football knowledge is through the roof and more than makes up for his lack of size. West Monroe High School product Jon Randall Belton is also coming off a redshirt year. Belton is supremely talented, and was recruited by some of the premier schools around the country. It will be key for Belton to stay healthy after suffering three knee injuries in high school, but he and Abraham both have the skills to be very good quarterbacks at the collegiate level. As excited as Bulldog fans are about the potential of J’Mar Smith, we should also keep our eyes out for the electric group of guys behind him.

8. What do the two transfers – Adrian Hardy and Teddy Veal – bring to the table?

Hardy and Veal are two names that Louisiana Tech fans have been giddy about since the two announced they were coming to Ruston last year. These two have the chance to be special. Carlos Henderson and Trent Taylor special? Only time will tell. But both absolutely do have the talent to be two All-CUSA receivers. Hardy originally signed with Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners before deciding that he was better suited as a Bulldog. After taking a redshirt last season, Hardy’s upside is unlimited with four years of remaining eligibility. Not only could he potentially be a dynamic return guy, there’s little doubt that the speedster will develop into a great outside receiver as well. Veal is the more accomplished of the pair, with two years of significant snaps at Tulane under his belt. While at Tulane, Veal hauled in 88 catches for over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. Throughout fall camp last year, Veal dazzled those in attendance with phenomenal grabs and unreal athleticism. With what his coaches have told us about his potential, we can absolutely see Veal stepping in and fighting for the #1 receiver next spot year.

7. Brand new punter – what to expect?

Gerald Shouse did a pretty good job for Tech last year at punter averaging 43 yards per boot. Shouse has now departed due to graduation and Tech will welcome in Davan Dyer from down under. The 6’4” 225 pound Australian can be easily mistaken for a linebacker, but brings a big leg to the punting position for the ‘Dogs. Dyer will have two years of eligibility and will almost be assured to be a fan favorite. Dyer can punt traditionally or rugby style, and has shown success using both styles. This will be a nice luxury for Coach Holtz and his staff when Tech is facing an opposing team that possesses a dynamic punt returner. With all due respect to the guys handling the punting duties the last couple years, Louisiana Tech fans are excited about the possibility of bringing a couple more Ray Guy Awards to Ruston. Dyer could very well be that man.

6. What can we expect from newcomers/young guys at the LB position?

Leading tackler Jordan Harris is gone from last season, as well as his counterpart Dalton Santos. These two brought some much needed experience to the position last year after transferring in from Iowa State and Texas, respectively. Russell Farris returns after recording 75 tackles is 2016, but does so as one of the only proven guys in the Tech line backing corps with a lot of youth. Randy Hogan was signed from Pearl River CC, and is expected to come in and contribute right away. Hogan is linebacker who has good speed, and is a sure-tackler. Brandon Durman returns for his junior year and will be looked to as a leader for the Tech defense. Colin Scott had a nice bowl game for the Bulldogs, and is another guy who could play a key role. Donald Freeman, Devin Hamilton, Frasier Hogan, and Dante Williams round out a host of young linebackers that will be looking to crack the two-deep for Coach Holtz. The work starts now for these guys, and we’re excited to see which ones break out and make a big impact for a defense that should be improved in 2017.

For all the latest on Louisiana Tech football spring practice be sure to stay tuned to https://latech.forums.rivals.com/threads/spring-practice.6819/.