Villanova Football Depth Chart: 3 starters out injured vs. Pitt

Villanova released their depth chart for their season opening game against Pittsburgh Panthers today, and there are a few surprises. Andy Talley revealed on Monday that he’ll likely be without three starters against the Panthers with Corey Majors and Matt Gudzak definitely out, and Malik Reaves questionable to contribute major minutes.

Javon White is back from a broken leg to reclaim his starting spot from a year ago, and it looks like (RS) sophomore Jeff Steeb will step in for Majors. Reaves is listed as a starter, but we may seen plenty of true freshman Korey Stevens and (RS) freshman Dage Davis if he’s limited. Curiously, All-CAA cornerback Jason Ceneus isn’t listed on the two-deep. Perhaps an oversight, or maybe even another injury.

The offensive line looks exactly as we projected earlier in the summer, and it’s a big group. Ryan Bell won the starting TE spot over Ryan Morris - Talley stated earlier this summer he expected this group to be heavily involved in the passing game.

At wide receiver, there’s a pretty big shock with true freshman Changa Hodge beating out Lincoln Collins on the outside, while speedster Zac Kerxton is in a battle with Alex Padovani at the other spot. Perhaps the two best players in the group, Jarrett McClenton and Taurus Phillips, are co-starters in the slot.

On defense, Bryan Osei has stepped into the starting spot vacated by Reggie Paris, and we’ll likely get our first look at Jafonta Johnson and Datrell Reed on the outside. Both players redshirted last season.

Other than Ceneus’ omission, there aren’t any real shockers in the defensive backfield with Rob Rolle, Rasaan Stewart and Shayne Jones all grabbing starting safety spots.

Full Depth Chart:

Villanova Football