Analysis: Projecting WKU's 2018 starting lineup

Western Kentucky running back Joshua Samuel (right) runs the ball Saturday, April 21, 2018, during the spring game at Houchens-Smith Stadium. The red team won 24-14. (Bac Totrong/photo@bgdailynews.com)Spring practice ended Saturday for Western Kentucky, more than four months before the Hilltoppers take the field Aug. 31 in their season opener at Wisconsin.

Second-year coach Mike Sanford and his staff got 15 practices over the last two months to further implement their schemes and fill gaps at spots where players have graduated.

WKU players will spend the next few weeks finishing up the spring semester academically and then will get some time at home. They’ll come back this summer for two…