DEPTH CHART ANALYSIS: Week 4

The fourth official depth chart for the 2013 season was unveiled Tuesday. Have a look:

By way of analysis, I'll hit the high points for each major position grouping. That analysis is even thinner this week, though, since there no changes to the official chart at all. Any discrepancies are my own interpretations.

Offense

There is one major difference between the official depth chart and reality. Zach Trujillo appears to have won his "OR" battle with Andre McDonald, as the former drew the start over the latter against the Minutemen.

For that matter, I've seen Trujillo out on the field a lot more than McDonald this season. The senior only seems to come in when we need an extra run blocker, and after his drop Saturday night, that looks to remain that way.

DeMarcus Robinson saw his first action of the season at running back, and he looked pretty good, too. Based on that, I have elevated him to third-string status over Jarvis Leverett Jr., who has yet to actually play as a Wildcat.

Kason Hostrup came in to play late and Boston Stiverson did not, so it's safe to assume the latter still is injured.

Defense

Marquel Bryant still is listed as the starter opposite Ryan Mueller, but Alauna Finau drew the start last week. Bryant still played and Finau didn't exactly wow me, so consider this a battle in progress, I'd say.

Colborn Couchman received his first playing time of the season and responded with a tackle on special teams, so I'm rewarding him with the third-string weakside linebacker spot. We all know Tate Snyder never will play, anyway.

Are we the only team in the Big 12 whose second-string might be faster and more talented than the starters? That's what my eyes saw Saturday night on defense, excepting the defensive line and the safeties.

Kip Daily clearly is our best pure cornerback and he's started every game, so it's a joke that the depth chart lists Dorrian "Every Team Picks on Me" Roberts ahead of him. I really can't wait until Morgan Burns surpasses Roberts.

And it's fully conceivable that every single backup linebacker is better than the starter ahead of him. Mike Moore's already more productive than Tre Walker, especially on third downs. I added Moore at third-string defensive end.

Blake Slaughter has been playing as well as he is capable of, I think, but Will Davis showed me he can compete at that spot. And the sooner Dakorey Johnson can learn his assignments, the better.

Man, if we had just landed Martrell Spaight or De'Vondre Campbell, either of those guys would be surefire starters right now. Or how about Jeff Luc? Grr...

Special Teams

Walk-on kicker Ian Patterson came in late and booted at least one kickoff against UMass, so I have elevated him to second-string kickoff specialist and bumped down Matthew McCrane, who almost certainly is redshirting.