We don't know when or if the season will start, but assuming it happens, here's my stab at who will start with quick commentary for each position. Coby Neenan, by the way, finally entered the transfer portal. He never panned out as a four-year scholarship kicker, but he will improve the APR rating after graduating.
I will run through the defense tomorrow.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Projected starter: Keon Howard
Confidence level: Limited. I still expect Tulane to pursue a grad transfer. Howard showed enough in five spring practices to indicate he will have a shot to start anyway, depending on the quality of the transfer. The premature end to spring practices across the country limited the transfer field.
Running back
Projected starters: Amare Jones and Corey Dauphine
Confidence level: high. I will be surprised if they are not starting on opening day, with Jones at slotback. but I stick to my post-spring assertion that Tyjae Spears will lead this team in rushing. The depth and talent at this position is incredible.
Wide receiver
Projected starters: Mykel Jones and Jha'Quan Jackson
Confidence level: moderate. Jackson looked like the best wideout on the roster in the spring, though he is unproven in games. Jones is fast. Jaetavian Toles, who caught one pass in the last four games a year ago, would be the likely third starter in a three-receiver set.
Tight end
Projected starter: Tyrick James
Confidence level: high. James looked good in the spring. Will Wallace will be a factor, too. The duo started together in two-tight end sets three times last year.
Left tackle
Projected starter: Joey Claybrook
Confidence level: moderate. He will start on one side of the line but I'm not sure where.
Left guard
Projected starter: Corey Dublin
Confidence level: total lock. Barring injury, Dublin will start every game in his career.
Center
Projected starter: Sincere Haynesworth
Confidence level: High. After starting five times at guard as a true freshmen, he will stick at center unless his snapping issues of preseason 2019 return.
Right guard
Projected starter: Ben Knutson
Confidence level: low. I'd like to pull the trigger on Rashad Green, but with summer presence likely limited, it's tough to know how the freshmen will prepare. Josh Remetich could be a factor, too.
Right tackle
Projected starter: Jaylen Miller
Confidence level: moderate.
I expect Miller to start at left or right tackle after transferring from Duke, but Csmeron Jackel will get a shot, too.
I will run through the defense tomorrow.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Projected starter: Keon Howard
Confidence level: Limited. I still expect Tulane to pursue a grad transfer. Howard showed enough in five spring practices to indicate he will have a shot to start anyway, depending on the quality of the transfer. The premature end to spring practices across the country limited the transfer field.
Running back
Projected starters: Amare Jones and Corey Dauphine
Confidence level: high. I will be surprised if they are not starting on opening day, with Jones at slotback. but I stick to my post-spring assertion that Tyjae Spears will lead this team in rushing. The depth and talent at this position is incredible.
Wide receiver
Projected starters: Mykel Jones and Jha'Quan Jackson
Confidence level: moderate. Jackson looked like the best wideout on the roster in the spring, though he is unproven in games. Jones is fast. Jaetavian Toles, who caught one pass in the last four games a year ago, would be the likely third starter in a three-receiver set.
Tight end
Projected starter: Tyrick James
Confidence level: high. James looked good in the spring. Will Wallace will be a factor, too. The duo started together in two-tight end sets three times last year.
Left tackle
Projected starter: Joey Claybrook
Confidence level: moderate. He will start on one side of the line but I'm not sure where.
Left guard
Projected starter: Corey Dublin
Confidence level: total lock. Barring injury, Dublin will start every game in his career.
Center
Projected starter: Sincere Haynesworth
Confidence level: High. After starting five times at guard as a true freshmen, he will stick at center unless his snapping issues of preseason 2019 return.
Right guard
Projected starter: Ben Knutson
Confidence level: low. I'd like to pull the trigger on Rashad Green, but with summer presence likely limited, it's tough to know how the freshmen will prepare. Josh Remetich could be a factor, too.
Right tackle
Projected starter: Jaylen Miller
Confidence level: moderate.
I expect Miller to start at left or right tackle after transferring from Duke, but Csmeron Jackel will get a shot, too.