You know there are a lot of uncertainties to an offense when the leader is a sophomore, but that is the situation the young Flames find themselves in, with Josh Woodrum looking like the centerpiece next fall. The offense looked promising in the final spring practice on Thursday, but there is still plenty to be critical about. Here is a look at what could use some work before the start of the season.

Offensive Line
The lack of depth in this group sticks out like a sore thumb, good thing there are plenty of incoming lineman that will help fill this void. Because of injuries, we haven’t seen the unit in full capacity, but thus far the lineman have been pushed around. They must become stronger in their pass protection if the offense is to be effective. Hopefully once they are back at full capacity they will emerge as a force.

Wide Receivers, Tight Ends
This is an extremely untested group of receivers we must rely on next season, but they have actually looked pretty good thus far. They lack size, but not height, don’t expect many broken tackles this season. On down the depth chart there seems to be a problem, but there are some real contributors, such as Greg Pratt and Damarcus Faison, who have a knack for getting open. Brandon Apon has been superb all around at tight end, and Canon Smith has emerged as a trustworthy option at end as well.

Quarterback
Starting at QB, Woodrum has increased his arm strength and decision making this year. He has his hiccups, but he is the undoubted leader on offense. Unfortunately, the backups did not show us much that would ease our worries if something happens to Woodrum, but Cory Benedetto did show flashes of potential as did Javan Shashaty.

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Backfield
Losing Aldreakis Allen is definitely a tough blow to the offense, but the more I’ve watched, the more I like Desmond Rice to gain a lot of yards in 2013. Rice is an all around talent, but must utilize his physicality more often. He is not much of a downgrade from Allen, if any. D.J. Abnar is the second back, and is great when he gets out in space, but lacks Rice’s downhill aspect. Michael Johnson looked somewhat lost at fullback this spring, but Nicky Fualaau should be the starter next fall. As Johnson learns the position, the Flames will have a lot of options to a dynamic running game.