Fall Camp Insider Weekend Notes
So Saturday we got full access to the practice which is a rare occurrence. It was a lot to take in so feel free to ask me about any player or unit and it will probably draw something from my mind I forgot to include.
After the team did its typical drills we see, they went 7-on-7 and did some 11-on-11 situations and wrapped up with a 2-minute drill. Only Greenlee and Virgil led the two drives.
- I have been impressed by (most of) the offense so far. The offensive line appears to be in decent standing, key receivers have been added while redshirt freshmen receivers are panning out and depth at running back behind Waller has been addressed somewhat. But I’m not sure how much of that matters if a QB doesn’t emerge.
- The quarterback play was quite underwhelming on Saturday at least. Each of the four seemed to have what step forward and then two steps back. I felt that Virgil was the most consistent from the sample size I got to see. He had a good connection with L.J. Reed and had some solid throws that turned into big plays. He also had some that sailed out of bounds. Greenlee had the two biggest passes, one to Peck who made an impressive catch and another to KeeSean Johnson for a TD. Then he under threw a receiver by about 10 yards right into the hands of Jamal Ellis (who dropped it) Anderson also had his ups and downs while Childress seemed to be shaking off the rust. The “simple” throws looked a little more effortless for him.
- I still believe one or two QBs will emerge, but I think they need start narrowing it down and focus the reps to the leaders. I’m just not sure how you develop QBs at 25% reps per practice.
- Spoke too soon on Michael Lazarus the other day. He’s working exclusively with the third team. He was suspended for all of the bowl practices and out all of spring with post-surgery rehab. He’s behind Stanley, Otukolo, Camilli and Ulutu all fighting for the second spot.
- Bonnheim was out both days with a hamstring tweak. Jacob Vasquez filled in at center. Donnie Green got second team reps at guard. Looks like Green is the next Aaron Mitchell type. I don’t see any of the other freshmen OL getting into the two-deep. Bobby Johnson and David Patterson are firmly on the second team. Kinninger is in good shape. Northup and Trevino both need to cut some weight.
- KeeSean Johnson, Josiah Blandin, Aaron Peck, L.J. Reed, Keyan Williams, Jamire Jordan, Chad Olsen - These seven seem to be well ahead of the pack when it comes to receiving.
- Kyle Riddering looks a little bigger and like he might be able to be a factor on offense.
- Dustin Garrison is a very smooth running back. He is quick and some of his moves are just effortless. You can tell pretty quickly that he is a level of player that typically goes power-5. We will see how he translates on offense. He doesn’t really fit the mold at 5-9.
- Nate Madsen will not be moving back to end or split reps at different positions. He will be 100% nose. Nick Kristophers has impressed early. Toth told me that Gabe Newman has impressed but is still only at 256. Hendrickson has progressed well. He’s not quite where they want him but far enough along to throw him out there Ryan Steele had a big offseason and is much improved according to Toth. Belony will have to impress to get into the 2-deep.
-There is a lot of excitement around Nela Otukolo. He has done very well in the first week of camp. Robert Stanley is also picking up the ILB position better. He’s still only 19 as a rs SO.
- Ederaine does appear to be 100% from what I saw. There are 4 solid OLBs for sure. James Bailey is also forcing himself into the mix with a good start to camp. I saw him flatten Dejonte O’Neal in half-pads.
- I saw Mike Bell take some reps at CB
- Jamal Ellis is flashing. He flat out dropped an INT on Saturday but was praised on both Sunday and today. He and Malcolm Washington are getting a lot of work with the 1’s. Tyquwan Glass and Isaac Brutton also getting in the mix. If Daquan Brown gets eligible there should be a wealth of talent at CB.
- Dalen Jones and Shannon Edwards are firm at safety. Wright is also looking good. I really like Dalen. The rest of that group doesn’t excite me a whole lot but I don’t think it’s a liability.
- Xavier Ulutu was still out with injury.
Jackson Moore Publisher - InsideTheSpartans.com
Publisher - WarriorSportsNetwork.com
Staff Writer- BarkBoard.com
Publisher - WarriorSportsNetwork.com
Staff Writer- BarkBoard.com
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