Since I am heading to Orlando, Oregon, and some BIG schools to watch some of their Spring practices before getting back to catch our last week of Spring practices and the Spring game, I thought to share some of my observations about our first week of Spring practices that some members of RSS might be interested in. Please keep in mind that we had only 5 practices and most of the work was/is about teaching techniques and fundamentals. Things will significantly change as we move along this Spring, Summer, and Fall.
After watching some of our Winter conditioning workouts, I said here that I was very impressed with the attitude of this team and how our players increased their devotion to this aspect of the game. I found our coaches to be more demanding in this area as well and putting a great deal of emphasis on getting our players bigger, stronger, and faster. In a nut shell, they wanted a more physical team which was a music to my ears. I am very happy and impressed with the results and love some of the physical transformations our players have made. These kids did that through hard work, determination, change of attitude, and changes in diet. Our team as whole is a much more physically fit team now.
That improvement along with better knowledge of playbook and greater familiarity with coaches have translated in to a much smoother and a more productive first week of Spring practice which was much better than this time last year. All of this should hopefully help to create a much more prepared, more physical, and overall a better team this Fall. Following is a break down each position group and evaluation of some players within those groups as I saw it.
OFFENSE:
This is the unit that should improve since we bring back some experience at some key positions such as QB, TE, WR, and RBs, but the lack of experience and depth at OL and FB could be challenging and alarming. This offense would go as far as this OL would take it and all though we have many talented players there, this OL has a long ways to go to become a cohesive and dominant group. I believe it is to best interest of this team and this young OL to concentrate more on perfecting Run blocking and the rush offense as that aspect of the game comes more naturally for OL players and they usually like to run block more. I fully understand and recognize the need for having a "complete" offense which requires great passing game, but I think we are still throwing too much at practices and specially this early in Spring (might be one reason for injuries to our WRs). I like to see 70% of time devoted to teaching this young and inexperienced OL how to Run block and slightly reduce that during the Fall camp. So far it has been the other way around.
QBs:
As a group I could see that they are more comfortable with our system and have better knowledge of the playbook, but they all have been inconsistent in connecting with WRs. Tommy is clearly the best of the bunch and with the exception of one practice, he has been the most consistent QB so far. There has never been any question about his arm strength or talent, but decision making must still improve for him to take his game to a higher level. Losing Westy and Morgan has not helped our QBs specially Tommy who works with the starters. He is in a great shape and should be deadly running the ball which I believe coach Langs plans on utilizing more this Fall.
I have not been very impressed with Fyfe and I think his accuracy has been worse than I have seen in the past, but again this is only one week of Spring practice and he should improve.
I felt AJ.Bush is having a much better Spring than Fyfe so far and is starting to release the ball quicker and has been more accurate with his medium and long throws. That kid is the most physically gifted of the bunch and all though I don't think a Pro-style offense suites him well, but I still like to see him get some playing time with the 2s.
As for everyone's favorite QB on RSS and presumed "savior of the program", POB, I must say he is a very talented young QB whose skills fit Riley's system much more than the other QBs, but he is just a FR and very raw. I don't think he is ready for this stage yet, but with Darlington moving to WR, I am certain he won't redshirt and should fight for #2 spot now comes Fall. He is more athletic than most think and has less arm strength than most advertised. He is smart and a quick learner who understands different coverage and defensive alignments. I love his upside and think he has a bright future ahead of him, but I hope our fan keep their excitement about this kid in check and don't have unrealistic expectations about him as a true FR. It won't be fair to him.
RBs:
One of the deepest and the most talented position group on this team which should pay great dividends for this team comes Fall. Newby still remains the coach's #1 choice as the starter and I think his blocking skills have as much to do with that as his running ability. I think he is stronger this year and still has that great speed. He is running with less hesitation and is hitting the hole faster now, but IMO, still dances with the ball a little too much.
As I said a couple of weeks ago OZ is bigger and stronger than ever and should get plenty of playing time this Fall. He never had an elite speed and now with that added (good) weight has lost a little bit more, but he is a quick and powerful runner who could get those tough yards and help move the chains. He also must become a better blocker in this offense. I really like his skills and attitude a lot and think he is going to have a great season ahead of him. I just hope coach Langs feed this big dog a lot and often.
The RB who I have been most impressed with this Spring is Wilbon. First, he has a much better attitude and is in much better shape than last year. Second, this talented and pure RB is one of the quickest players I have seen here whose running style and shiftiness reminds me of Ameer. This kid can see the hole and hit it fast and hard and then could cut on the dime leaving the LBs and Safeties grasping for air. I really like what I see from him and IF we do a better job in blocking in Zone Read and Stretch plays, I think this kid is going to have a huge season running those plays. He is also the best pass catching RB (screens) here.
I also like what I see from A. Taylor who is the healthiest he has been in a long time. IMHO, he is not the best RB we have here, but he is the most complete RB we have. I hope he gets some playing time this Fall.
OL:
The position group most dear to my heart and the one that I believe hold the key to success or failure of this team more than any other position groups (followed closely by DL group). This group is very hard working and hungry but definitely a work in progress. Much have been said about their physical gains this Winter so I won't get into that, but this is a very physically fit group. Three (3) players have impressed me the most so far by their progress and they are knevel, Whitaker, and Farmer. Gates, Thurston (IF plays Center), and Foster are very close as well. Gaylord, Barnett, Decker, and Hahn have also looked better but have a ways to go.
It is no secret that I have been very high on Knevel's potential for many years now and felt he should have played some the last 2 years. He is stronger, faster and more agile than before. His technique and fundamental are getting better and I am starting to see him play with more confidence and aggressiveness now. He has improved his lateral movements, hand placement, and pad levels. Now he needs to get nastier and must realize that the best pancakes are often served by the "pipeline". I expect a big season from him.
My favorite OL on this team has been and still is Corey Whitaker. I always thought he had the best technique of the OGs Bo brought here and he was also the hardest working player I had seen the last few years. That young man is a warier who despite 2 severe injuries never quit and who plays the game the way it should be, with passion and a touch of nastiness. For the first time in many years he is healthy, in great shape, and is shining at practices. If he stays healthy, he is my choice to be the starter at ROG.
There has been very many stories and posts about Tanner Farmer here and we all believed he has the talent to be a multi years starter here when he came out of HS. For many reasons, he had some set backs along the way as many young men often do, but I am glad to say that he is on the right track now and starting to show why he was so highly ranked HS player and why so many great football programs wanted him. He is in a great shape and has made great strides in becoming a better OG. Besides losing some bad weight, he has worked extremely hard to improve his footwork, flexibility, and pass pro and that hard work is now showing on playing field. I am very proud of him and it won't surprise me to see him start at ROG when it is all said and done.
Gates is the most talented and natural OT we have and I know many might disagree with me on this, but I think he is better off at ROT. He is more natural at that position and I know for fact that he felt more comfortable at that spot. He has struggled a little bit adjusting to this move to LOT, but he is such a talented and hard working player that I think he will make the needed adjustments. But IF I were the OL coach, Knevel would be playing the left side and Gates would dominate the right side.
Foster is doing fine and stronger than ever. He should be a major upgrade to what we saw at LOG position last year. He just needs to do better in pass pro.
My biggest concern with this OL is the lack of experience and depth at OT positions. I won't discuss much about the back ups, but say they all have a long ways to go yet.
WR:
It is a shame to see Westy and Morgan go down with injuries so early in Spring. The loss of those two been felt both by this group as well as QBs. I think Morgan will be back by the end of Spring but am worried about Westy's condition. Hope he recovers fully because I believe he and Morgan are among the best WRs in BIG. Westy can do so much and his leadership on the field is priceless. Morgan I believe is the most complete FR WR I had see in my nearly 40 years around this program and has a very bright future.
As I have said a few times the last couple of months, I love what I see from Grim and he is such a natural WR. He is not the biggest or the fastest WR, but he is a natural who gets open and makes the catch. I think he will see some playing time this Fall. Rielly is doing fine and despite being a little less than 100% healthy is doing great and should continue to be a weapon outside. Alston and DPE are not ready.
FB:
We have some hard working kids there but there is no Jano here. I would love to get that 2017 prospect from Louisiana in this class (Miles i believe his name is). He is good enough as a HS Sr to be to give this group a run for their money.
TE:
My most favorite offensive player has been and continues to be C. Carter. If you thought he was good last year, you would love seeing him play this year. He is on a whole different level from the other TEs here and IF stays healthy, he should be among the best in BIG and a sure high round draft pick. He is as close to a complete TE as it gets.
Cotton is under rated (maybe because of his dad), but that kid worked his ass of this off season and is much bigger and stronger. He is the second best TE on this team and a very solid blocker with decent hands.
Snyder has talent but a year away. I love his hands and route running but blocking is not there yet. Foster could provide some meaningful snaps as a back up.
DEFENSE
:
It would be an under-statement to say this unit must improve significantly IF we have any hopes of winning the BIG West and reaching the BIG Championship game. I have a feeling that this unit will be much improved, but hard to say how much since many key players are not practicing. As I said at the time when Coach Parrella was hired, I believe he will make a huge difference here and should have a significant impact on how our DL and D would perform here. He brings a world of experience with him as well as that "Blackshirt" mentality that was sorely missed in these past years. We all know for this defense to get better, it starts with the performance of the DL and their ability to stop the run and rush the QBs. I think we have the horses to do just that and there are some young but talented players on that line who are hungry to get the chance to show what they can do. I also believe our secondary is going to be a much improved unit because of A) better pass rush. B) More experience and knowledge of D scheme, and C) because coach Banker coaching the safeties. We should get a much clearer picture about this D in Fall when players like A. Willams, Reed, Stolt (my favorite DT) and K. Williams return from injuries as well as getting a look at some extremely talented incoming FRs. But overall, I like what I see from this unit.
DL:
McMullen, Freedom, and Maurice are players who have had a very good Spring so far, but the most pleasant thing for me has been the improved play by some young players like A. Davis, King, Davis brothers, and Newell.
McMullen is a lean and mean 300 lbs DT now and feels a lot more comfortable playing that position with size. He has been unstoppable at times and should be the starter at one DT spot this Fall. Maurice is bigger and just as quick as before who IMO, is the best pass rushing DT on this team, but needs some work in getting better at stopping the run. Freedom, after being slowed down by injury last year, is healthy again and has been a handful for our OTs. He is big and strong player who could set the edge against the run but also is fast enough to rush the QB. He is the most complete DE we have here and is a very important player for this DL to be what it wants to be.
The Davis brothers are the 2 most physically gifted athletes and most talented players on this DL and have a bright future ahead of them, but they have to learn to play the game with better technique and leverage. I am certain that will come soon under the teaching of coach Big John. King and A. Davis (beast) have made great strides this Off season and should get plenty of playing time this Fall. I think those 2 would provide the much needed pass rush we were missing last year, but they both are young and still learning the game. Stolt is huge and should come back this Fall and I think he will make this DL much better and K. Williams is also a player we need because of his experience, talent, and leadership. This young DL needs that.
LBs:
Without a doubt this position group has gone from being the weakest group to the strongest position group on this defense. It is amazing how much better and deeper this group is in only one year. I love the teaching and coaching they are getting now as well.
My favorite LB here has been and still is M. Newby and he is having a fantastic Spring. He is bigger but has not lost any speed. He is the most complete LB we have who could stop the run, rush the passer, and cover TEs and RBs. I think he is going to be great this year IF he stays healthy and not get much bigger. He should be the starting OLB.
Bando is another player who is having a great Spring. What I like most about him now is that he is playing the game without thinking. He has all the physical tools to be a great MLB, but must work on his flexibility and change of directions.
D. Young is a player who was thrown into fire last year as a True Fr and still performed better than most expected. He is a great athlete and a deadly run stopping LB. I don't know IF he will ever be fast enough to be a great pass cover guy, but he has put a ton work in that area which should pay dividends for him and the D. I really like that kid and believe his best days are ahead of him.
Rose -Ivey was having a good Spring but yet again the injury bug hit him. IF that kid could stay healthy, he is the best LB we have here. Ferg is coming along and is much more comfortable with playbook. He should play a ton this Fall as a backup MLB. I love his attitude and work ethics. He is a natural leader as well. Mo Barry is another young LB who I really like. I think he is the most pure OLB here now and only needs experience and reps to get better and better. I think with Rose being often injured, this kid could see the field a lot this Fall. Weber is doing well and Gifford (I really like him) is recovering. Both should provide much needed depth here. Can't wait to see what Q. Alexander, Simmons, and Johnson bring to table when they arrive. For the first time in many years, I feel we have a LB group worthy of being among the best in BIG.
Secondary:
The loss of A. Williams and Reed is big this Spring but both should be fully healthy this Summer. I like both those players and think Reed is the most physically talented player there while A. Williams is the smartest and the most complete player we have there.
With out a doubt, Nate Gerry is the star of our secondary and since he is all in with this staff and scheme, I thing he will be much better. He is having a great Spring.
Jones is bigger and stronger now than last year. He is starting to get the scheme better and should work on his run support. Kalu is my favorite CB here. I love the way he plays the CB position with Swag and toughness. Coach Stew told me that this kid has had one of the best week of practice among all the D players and has made perfect grade in knowing all his assignments and plays so far. I know some question his speed, but I think most folks will be pleased with improvements he has made in that area as well.
I think we also have many talented young guys like Lee, Anderson (kind of lost at the moment at safety), joseph, and others that along with some great incoming FRs should make this group a much improved unit. God knows improvement there is a must and much needed, but I have confidence in both these players talent and coach Stew-Bankers coaching abilities to get them there.
Special Teams:
Hard to see where we are with these units this early in the Spring. However, as I said many times we should see a big jump in our coverage teams since we have many more talented defensive players now. I wish DPE was healthy and could return punts as we have no one that talented in that area, but there are many gifted players who could get the job done. I reserve judgment about our STs till I watch the full unit in Fall, However, I am certain with D. Brown, Ober, and Foltz we will have 3 best specialists in BIG. Those 3 are good enough to be the best in BIG IF not in the country. I love what I see in our kicking game!!
Let us hope that all of our players stay healthy and those injured players to have full and speedy recoveries. I won't make any predictions about this team since there are many unknowns and variables that could determine that, but I like what I see from many position groups and love the level of effort that these kids are practicing at now. We have a long ways to go. but this team has come a long way as well!
Sorry for the long post. I hope you find the information here worth the time reading it.
GBR and get better one day and one practice at a time.
After watching some of our Winter conditioning workouts, I said here that I was very impressed with the attitude of this team and how our players increased their devotion to this aspect of the game. I found our coaches to be more demanding in this area as well and putting a great deal of emphasis on getting our players bigger, stronger, and faster. In a nut shell, they wanted a more physical team which was a music to my ears. I am very happy and impressed with the results and love some of the physical transformations our players have made. These kids did that through hard work, determination, change of attitude, and changes in diet. Our team as whole is a much more physically fit team now.
That improvement along with better knowledge of playbook and greater familiarity with coaches have translated in to a much smoother and a more productive first week of Spring practice which was much better than this time last year. All of this should hopefully help to create a much more prepared, more physical, and overall a better team this Fall. Following is a break down each position group and evaluation of some players within those groups as I saw it.
OFFENSE:
This is the unit that should improve since we bring back some experience at some key positions such as QB, TE, WR, and RBs, but the lack of experience and depth at OL and FB could be challenging and alarming. This offense would go as far as this OL would take it and all though we have many talented players there, this OL has a long ways to go to become a cohesive and dominant group. I believe it is to best interest of this team and this young OL to concentrate more on perfecting Run blocking and the rush offense as that aspect of the game comes more naturally for OL players and they usually like to run block more. I fully understand and recognize the need for having a "complete" offense which requires great passing game, but I think we are still throwing too much at practices and specially this early in Spring (might be one reason for injuries to our WRs). I like to see 70% of time devoted to teaching this young and inexperienced OL how to Run block and slightly reduce that during the Fall camp. So far it has been the other way around.
QBs:
As a group I could see that they are more comfortable with our system and have better knowledge of the playbook, but they all have been inconsistent in connecting with WRs. Tommy is clearly the best of the bunch and with the exception of one practice, he has been the most consistent QB so far. There has never been any question about his arm strength or talent, but decision making must still improve for him to take his game to a higher level. Losing Westy and Morgan has not helped our QBs specially Tommy who works with the starters. He is in a great shape and should be deadly running the ball which I believe coach Langs plans on utilizing more this Fall.
I have not been very impressed with Fyfe and I think his accuracy has been worse than I have seen in the past, but again this is only one week of Spring practice and he should improve.
I felt AJ.Bush is having a much better Spring than Fyfe so far and is starting to release the ball quicker and has been more accurate with his medium and long throws. That kid is the most physically gifted of the bunch and all though I don't think a Pro-style offense suites him well, but I still like to see him get some playing time with the 2s.
As for everyone's favorite QB on RSS and presumed "savior of the program", POB, I must say he is a very talented young QB whose skills fit Riley's system much more than the other QBs, but he is just a FR and very raw. I don't think he is ready for this stage yet, but with Darlington moving to WR, I am certain he won't redshirt and should fight for #2 spot now comes Fall. He is more athletic than most think and has less arm strength than most advertised. He is smart and a quick learner who understands different coverage and defensive alignments. I love his upside and think he has a bright future ahead of him, but I hope our fan keep their excitement about this kid in check and don't have unrealistic expectations about him as a true FR. It won't be fair to him.
RBs:
One of the deepest and the most talented position group on this team which should pay great dividends for this team comes Fall. Newby still remains the coach's #1 choice as the starter and I think his blocking skills have as much to do with that as his running ability. I think he is stronger this year and still has that great speed. He is running with less hesitation and is hitting the hole faster now, but IMO, still dances with the ball a little too much.
As I said a couple of weeks ago OZ is bigger and stronger than ever and should get plenty of playing time this Fall. He never had an elite speed and now with that added (good) weight has lost a little bit more, but he is a quick and powerful runner who could get those tough yards and help move the chains. He also must become a better blocker in this offense. I really like his skills and attitude a lot and think he is going to have a great season ahead of him. I just hope coach Langs feed this big dog a lot and often.
The RB who I have been most impressed with this Spring is Wilbon. First, he has a much better attitude and is in much better shape than last year. Second, this talented and pure RB is one of the quickest players I have seen here whose running style and shiftiness reminds me of Ameer. This kid can see the hole and hit it fast and hard and then could cut on the dime leaving the LBs and Safeties grasping for air. I really like what I see from him and IF we do a better job in blocking in Zone Read and Stretch plays, I think this kid is going to have a huge season running those plays. He is also the best pass catching RB (screens) here.
I also like what I see from A. Taylor who is the healthiest he has been in a long time. IMHO, he is not the best RB we have here, but he is the most complete RB we have. I hope he gets some playing time this Fall.
OL:
The position group most dear to my heart and the one that I believe hold the key to success or failure of this team more than any other position groups (followed closely by DL group). This group is very hard working and hungry but definitely a work in progress. Much have been said about their physical gains this Winter so I won't get into that, but this is a very physically fit group. Three (3) players have impressed me the most so far by their progress and they are knevel, Whitaker, and Farmer. Gates, Thurston (IF plays Center), and Foster are very close as well. Gaylord, Barnett, Decker, and Hahn have also looked better but have a ways to go.
It is no secret that I have been very high on Knevel's potential for many years now and felt he should have played some the last 2 years. He is stronger, faster and more agile than before. His technique and fundamental are getting better and I am starting to see him play with more confidence and aggressiveness now. He has improved his lateral movements, hand placement, and pad levels. Now he needs to get nastier and must realize that the best pancakes are often served by the "pipeline". I expect a big season from him.
My favorite OL on this team has been and still is Corey Whitaker. I always thought he had the best technique of the OGs Bo brought here and he was also the hardest working player I had seen the last few years. That young man is a warier who despite 2 severe injuries never quit and who plays the game the way it should be, with passion and a touch of nastiness. For the first time in many years he is healthy, in great shape, and is shining at practices. If he stays healthy, he is my choice to be the starter at ROG.
There has been very many stories and posts about Tanner Farmer here and we all believed he has the talent to be a multi years starter here when he came out of HS. For many reasons, he had some set backs along the way as many young men often do, but I am glad to say that he is on the right track now and starting to show why he was so highly ranked HS player and why so many great football programs wanted him. He is in a great shape and has made great strides in becoming a better OG. Besides losing some bad weight, he has worked extremely hard to improve his footwork, flexibility, and pass pro and that hard work is now showing on playing field. I am very proud of him and it won't surprise me to see him start at ROG when it is all said and done.
Gates is the most talented and natural OT we have and I know many might disagree with me on this, but I think he is better off at ROT. He is more natural at that position and I know for fact that he felt more comfortable at that spot. He has struggled a little bit adjusting to this move to LOT, but he is such a talented and hard working player that I think he will make the needed adjustments. But IF I were the OL coach, Knevel would be playing the left side and Gates would dominate the right side.
Foster is doing fine and stronger than ever. He should be a major upgrade to what we saw at LOG position last year. He just needs to do better in pass pro.
My biggest concern with this OL is the lack of experience and depth at OT positions. I won't discuss much about the back ups, but say they all have a long ways to go yet.
WR:
It is a shame to see Westy and Morgan go down with injuries so early in Spring. The loss of those two been felt both by this group as well as QBs. I think Morgan will be back by the end of Spring but am worried about Westy's condition. Hope he recovers fully because I believe he and Morgan are among the best WRs in BIG. Westy can do so much and his leadership on the field is priceless. Morgan I believe is the most complete FR WR I had see in my nearly 40 years around this program and has a very bright future.
As I have said a few times the last couple of months, I love what I see from Grim and he is such a natural WR. He is not the biggest or the fastest WR, but he is a natural who gets open and makes the catch. I think he will see some playing time this Fall. Rielly is doing fine and despite being a little less than 100% healthy is doing great and should continue to be a weapon outside. Alston and DPE are not ready.
FB:
We have some hard working kids there but there is no Jano here. I would love to get that 2017 prospect from Louisiana in this class (Miles i believe his name is). He is good enough as a HS Sr to be to give this group a run for their money.
TE:
My most favorite offensive player has been and continues to be C. Carter. If you thought he was good last year, you would love seeing him play this year. He is on a whole different level from the other TEs here and IF stays healthy, he should be among the best in BIG and a sure high round draft pick. He is as close to a complete TE as it gets.
Cotton is under rated (maybe because of his dad), but that kid worked his ass of this off season and is much bigger and stronger. He is the second best TE on this team and a very solid blocker with decent hands.
Snyder has talent but a year away. I love his hands and route running but blocking is not there yet. Foster could provide some meaningful snaps as a back up.
DEFENSE
:
It would be an under-statement to say this unit must improve significantly IF we have any hopes of winning the BIG West and reaching the BIG Championship game. I have a feeling that this unit will be much improved, but hard to say how much since many key players are not practicing. As I said at the time when Coach Parrella was hired, I believe he will make a huge difference here and should have a significant impact on how our DL and D would perform here. He brings a world of experience with him as well as that "Blackshirt" mentality that was sorely missed in these past years. We all know for this defense to get better, it starts with the performance of the DL and their ability to stop the run and rush the QBs. I think we have the horses to do just that and there are some young but talented players on that line who are hungry to get the chance to show what they can do. I also believe our secondary is going to be a much improved unit because of A) better pass rush. B) More experience and knowledge of D scheme, and C) because coach Banker coaching the safeties. We should get a much clearer picture about this D in Fall when players like A. Willams, Reed, Stolt (my favorite DT) and K. Williams return from injuries as well as getting a look at some extremely talented incoming FRs. But overall, I like what I see from this unit.
DL:
McMullen, Freedom, and Maurice are players who have had a very good Spring so far, but the most pleasant thing for me has been the improved play by some young players like A. Davis, King, Davis brothers, and Newell.
McMullen is a lean and mean 300 lbs DT now and feels a lot more comfortable playing that position with size. He has been unstoppable at times and should be the starter at one DT spot this Fall. Maurice is bigger and just as quick as before who IMO, is the best pass rushing DT on this team, but needs some work in getting better at stopping the run. Freedom, after being slowed down by injury last year, is healthy again and has been a handful for our OTs. He is big and strong player who could set the edge against the run but also is fast enough to rush the QB. He is the most complete DE we have here and is a very important player for this DL to be what it wants to be.
The Davis brothers are the 2 most physically gifted athletes and most talented players on this DL and have a bright future ahead of them, but they have to learn to play the game with better technique and leverage. I am certain that will come soon under the teaching of coach Big John. King and A. Davis (beast) have made great strides this Off season and should get plenty of playing time this Fall. I think those 2 would provide the much needed pass rush we were missing last year, but they both are young and still learning the game. Stolt is huge and should come back this Fall and I think he will make this DL much better and K. Williams is also a player we need because of his experience, talent, and leadership. This young DL needs that.
LBs:
Without a doubt this position group has gone from being the weakest group to the strongest position group on this defense. It is amazing how much better and deeper this group is in only one year. I love the teaching and coaching they are getting now as well.
My favorite LB here has been and still is M. Newby and he is having a fantastic Spring. He is bigger but has not lost any speed. He is the most complete LB we have who could stop the run, rush the passer, and cover TEs and RBs. I think he is going to be great this year IF he stays healthy and not get much bigger. He should be the starting OLB.
Bando is another player who is having a great Spring. What I like most about him now is that he is playing the game without thinking. He has all the physical tools to be a great MLB, but must work on his flexibility and change of directions.
D. Young is a player who was thrown into fire last year as a True Fr and still performed better than most expected. He is a great athlete and a deadly run stopping LB. I don't know IF he will ever be fast enough to be a great pass cover guy, but he has put a ton work in that area which should pay dividends for him and the D. I really like that kid and believe his best days are ahead of him.
Rose -Ivey was having a good Spring but yet again the injury bug hit him. IF that kid could stay healthy, he is the best LB we have here. Ferg is coming along and is much more comfortable with playbook. He should play a ton this Fall as a backup MLB. I love his attitude and work ethics. He is a natural leader as well. Mo Barry is another young LB who I really like. I think he is the most pure OLB here now and only needs experience and reps to get better and better. I think with Rose being often injured, this kid could see the field a lot this Fall. Weber is doing well and Gifford (I really like him) is recovering. Both should provide much needed depth here. Can't wait to see what Q. Alexander, Simmons, and Johnson bring to table when they arrive. For the first time in many years, I feel we have a LB group worthy of being among the best in BIG.
Secondary:
The loss of A. Williams and Reed is big this Spring but both should be fully healthy this Summer. I like both those players and think Reed is the most physically talented player there while A. Williams is the smartest and the most complete player we have there.
With out a doubt, Nate Gerry is the star of our secondary and since he is all in with this staff and scheme, I thing he will be much better. He is having a great Spring.
Jones is bigger and stronger now than last year. He is starting to get the scheme better and should work on his run support. Kalu is my favorite CB here. I love the way he plays the CB position with Swag and toughness. Coach Stew told me that this kid has had one of the best week of practice among all the D players and has made perfect grade in knowing all his assignments and plays so far. I know some question his speed, but I think most folks will be pleased with improvements he has made in that area as well.
I think we also have many talented young guys like Lee, Anderson (kind of lost at the moment at safety), joseph, and others that along with some great incoming FRs should make this group a much improved unit. God knows improvement there is a must and much needed, but I have confidence in both these players talent and coach Stew-Bankers coaching abilities to get them there.
Special Teams:
Hard to see where we are with these units this early in the Spring. However, as I said many times we should see a big jump in our coverage teams since we have many more talented defensive players now. I wish DPE was healthy and could return punts as we have no one that talented in that area, but there are many gifted players who could get the job done. I reserve judgment about our STs till I watch the full unit in Fall, However, I am certain with D. Brown, Ober, and Foltz we will have 3 best specialists in BIG. Those 3 are good enough to be the best in BIG IF not in the country. I love what I see in our kicking game!!
Let us hope that all of our players stay healthy and those injured players to have full and speedy recoveries. I won't make any predictions about this team since there are many unknowns and variables that could determine that, but I like what I see from many position groups and love the level of effort that these kids are practicing at now. We have a long ways to go. but this team has come a long way as well!
Sorry for the long post. I hope you find the information here worth the time reading it.
GBR and get better one day and one practice at a time.
