Both Kemp and Zapp are done with college football. Kemp probably could have received a medical redshirt but the indications are that he's done. Zapp played in several games for about the last 1/3 of the season so was not eligible for a MR. I believe both Gunn and Smith received MR's and should be back this spring. It's too bad the Bears had all those injuries to the offense so early in the season (5 or 6 starters were out). It would have been interesting to see how well this team could have done had all been healthy and able to play. As it was, they had a respectable season and were competitive in most all of their games. Bobby Hauck, Montana's coach, said the Bears were the most improved team in the Big Sky.
Everyone seems to point to the defense as being the strength of the team this year and statistically they probably were. However, they gave up a UNC 21-7 lead at NAU and gave up 31 points in the first half against Sac. State. So, what I'm saying is you can't put all the blame for the Bear's record this season on the offense. That being said, it seems that the offensive and defensive lines are the biggest need for the team. The offensive line returns 3 full season starters (including the center who was selected All Conference by the Big Sky). This will be the highly touted offensive lineman Bryce Schwindt's RS-FR year so perhaps he can step in and be a factor. That being said, the offensive line could use some big and quick JC transfers to fill in some holes especially at left tackle. I believe the defensive line returns about the same number of starters losing only Awachie and Kolone. The need here is also for some big and quick defensive tackles probably by way of the JC ranks.
It appears that Dylan Orms holds the edge as UNC's next QB. It will be interesting to see if the offense is adjusted to his abilities as a runner. As for the highly touted running back Harris, I personally don't think he lived up to the hype. He didn't seem to get the tough yardage when needed and was often injured. On the other hand I was impressed with Burnley who seems to have the toughness, size and speed to be a top BSC running back.
It will be interesting to see how well recruiting goes this Feb. with the way the team is improving and the new facilities that were sorely needed. This is perhaps Downing and company's last chance to put together a winning team. I wish them all the best and look forward to a successful Bears football team (in terms of wins) that we can all be proud of just like the basketball team.
