How many 2016 all-conference types did we envision at this point of the 2015 season? I think we all liked Chido and TT, knew Gilbert was decent, and thought Tupou was a remote possibility, but who really saw Oliver or Spoon turning into what they were? Carrell and Samson were pretty meh, and nobody really cared for Olugbode in 2015. Is it possible for Gamboa, Lewis, Landman, Callier, Javier, Mulumba and Tuiloma to surprise and exceed all current expectations of them for next year? What about Udoffia, Worthington, Wigley and Fisher taking the next step? Then there are younger guys like JVD, Sparaco, Chris Miller, Lang and Blackmon who could all get opportunities and change the outlook dramatically if they show out.
Point is... The one aspect this staff has been pretty decent at is developing some less heralded recruits into above average to great players, and until that time comes, the outlook is going to be pretty bleak. I'm not saying this is sustainable and, as we've discussed, it probably isn't going to win a Pac 12 Championship but I feel like the defense has some guys who can play at a pretty high level next year. Depth on DL is certainly an issue, though.