[Rudy tossed tigger's salad]

I was once a doubter too. I wanted Jameil Showers (on his way to UTEP) to start. It's true, he doesn't have the strongest arm. But the more you watch him, the more you understand that he will be just fine at any level. He can't make miracle throws off of his back foot, but when he steps into a throw or even making a throw on the run, he has fine arm strength. He has a good release, his ball placement skills are elite, great footwork, intagibles, etc. There are reports that he gained an inch in height and is at 205, but not sure I buy it.

If you think the hype will get to his head, I have my doubts. People said the same thing before the OU game. He looked his confident and competitive self in the Spring game. Even if he is a bit of a partying douche, he's saying all the right things publicly and I believe he understands the business.

As for the prediction that Manziel will take a step back, I can't see how. The O-line will be just as good, and the Running backs get better with Brandon Williams becoming eligible and Trey Williams having a year under his belt. They lose Swope but he still has his favorite target in Mike Evans. They have adequate guys returning in Hicks, Kennedy, LeKendrick Williams and Derel Walker. They also have some real potential guys in Ed Pope, Jaquay Williams, Ricky-Seals Jones, Quiv Gonzalez, Kyrion Parker, Sebastian Larue and Cam Clear. Just take a look at those guys' offer lists to understand their potential.

The defense is a big question mark, no doubt. I can see them losing a couple because of the D. They will be young. We'll see.