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Q: In your camp reports and blog entries you consistently mention a lack of depth at offensive line and linebackers. I would also consider there to be little quality depth at cornerback as well. For all of Wannstedt's acclaimed recruiting, doesn't the lack of capable backups speak poorly to this staff's ability to get these players to translate that talent to the field?

Jim Raible, Irwin

ZEISE: Well, it is one of two things -- there is an issue with evaluation of talent and recruitment or there is an issue of development of talent.

I think one thing that may help with the linebackers is it seems in recent years they've actually recruited linebackers -- as opposed to safeties or receivers they want to turn into linebackers. But I really don't know that it is a recruiting issue at linebacker or corner -- I think, like you said, they seem to recruit a lot of good athletes and they have a lot of younger players on the field who seem to have some talent. To me that speaks to perhaps a development of talent issue and it is something that likely needs to be addressed. There is no reason there shouldn't be a few more linebackers and corners out of this group who are ready to play. I'm not sure what the issue is but you are right, it is something that needs to improve.

Now the offensive line, to me, is an entirely different issue and that is all about evaluation and recruiting. They seem to take a lot of kids who are reaches based on potential or because they have "good feet" or whatever but as one high school coach said to me "if a kid can't block anyone in high school, what makes you think he'll learn to in college when guys are bigger, faster and stronger."

So in short, I think they've missed on a lot of recruits at that position and they don't have nearly as many viable options as they should given how many scholarships they've devoted to linemen in recent years. That position to me seems to be more of an issue of scouting and evaluation than development of talent.

Simply put, six years into a program you should not be in a position where your best center is a walk-on and his primary back-up is a redshirt freshman defensive lineman who has never played center. So I'd say recruiting for that position -- offensive line -- has been hit or miss and right now it looks like a lot more misses than hits.

Q: I have heard big things about the potential of Todd Thomas. With such a crowded receiver crop to begin with, what are the chances Todd Thomas earns himself some playing time?

Jeff Hokiez, Greensburg

ZEISE: It will be interesting to see if he actually does get into the mix. Todd is clearly physically ready to play and he certainly has the ability to make plays. But how quickly he develops the mental part of playing the position -- learning the offense, learning to run the routes and learning how to get separation from corners -- will determine how much they can use him during the season.

We've seen some really good things from him in terms of ball skills, so there is no doubt he can play but as you pointed out, it is a crowded position. Dave Wannstedt said yesterday right now there are three receivers positions locked up -- Jon Baldwin, Mike Shanahan and Cam Saddler -- by guys who are ready to play and have proven they can play. That means Thomas is in there with Devin Street and Greg Cross and company to try and become that fourth guy.

Q: What's going on with Shayne Hale? Will he get a chance to be a factor this season?

Bobby Fitzmaurice, St. Pete Beach, Fla.

ZEISE: He will certainly get the chance to be a factor. That much is certain -- he is fighting to become the fourth defensive end, which would mean he would be the primary back-up to either Jabaal Sheard or Greg Romeus and get some opportunities to play.

Now, what he does with that opportunity is a completely different issue all together. To this point he hasn't done much to distinguish himself or show that he can become a dominant defensive end or even a guy who can help the team win. That is not to say he can't do it -- it is to say this point he hasn't done it. And given that he now has some younger guys like T.J. Clemmings and Bryan Murphy on his heels, his window to get it done would seem to be closing.

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