Post by Cap'n Cattitude on Aug 12, 2021 21:39:50 GMT -6
Like I said I would, I spent almost 2 hours on Tuesday watching FB practice. Here are some of my observations. Note that the team is in shells and helmets and there are no numbers on the roster so it’s hard to figure out who many of the players are. While I know a lot of them, some observations are my best guesses. So offense on this thread and defense on the other thread.
QB - In both drills and scrimmage, Earle was the standout. It’s possible that Mansell has minor shoulder issues as he had support tape on his throwing side. But Stone was more accurate and seems to have a stronger arm. If it were up to me (thank goodness it’s not!). I would start Earle over Mansell.
Tentatively, I give this position a B. Slightly up from a B- last season.
RB - As expected, we seem to be in good shape here. Jermiah looks ready to play today. Tyrese flashed some of the 2019 form so hopefully he is fully recovered. Anthony is a dude...made some defenders look really bad. Watch out if he gets in space. McKnight got several carries with the backup OL and showed some promise but well behind the other 3.
This is our best position group going into camp. B same as last year.
WR - A member asked about Dax Neece. Played quite a few reps in the scrimmage and was targeted twice with no receptions. Meh. Probably not his best practice. Big 2021 Bonus!!! Alex Spadone is good, good, good. As in 50 receptions this year, good. Caught everything thrown his way both drills and scrimmage. In the scrimmage he made some adjustments to the ball that turned the DBs around, (Not just any DBs, Richardson, Satterfield and Anderson to name a few) Kobe and Darius made some superb catches but more than anything seem to have a knack for getting at least 5 yards open on every play. Jordan Brooks-Wess and Davion Johnson looked good to me as well.
No one else caught my attention but that is not to say there isn’t talent among the freshmen and other newcomers. At first glance, we are significantly improved for no other reason than Spadone. Big improvement over LJ.
Last year the only bright spot was Kobe. It looks better. C+
TE - Not much to say here. The scrimmage did not feature the tight ends and I didn’t watch much of their drills. Lutz made a nice catch in the scrimmage. The other notable thing was that I didn’t recognize Noah Caldwell. I’m guessing he has put on at least 20 pounds, maybe more. He looks strong. The scrimmage was mainly inside the 20. I have no idea why we don’t feature those huge tight ends in the passing game. Incomplete
Everyone wants to know about the OL. You may not be satisfied with my report but I’ll do the best I can.
C - Collin James (for sure) played with the first unit as far as I could tell and Truitt Knox (I think) played with the second although they moved around some. Definite upgrade in quality and depth.
OG - I have no idea who was playing guard. Recognized Jaron Marshall. Can’t imagine that he wouldn’t start. At the other guard, there are so many choices. I think I recognized Alan Hatten. He’s a big dude, BTW.
OT - This is a bit more obvious. Reese Moore played left tackle backed up by Mitch Melrose. For those who asked, Reese is long and rangy and definitely knows what he’s doing. He might be closer to 278 than 300, I don’t know. Melrose worked in all of the drills but did not take part in the contact scrimmage. Looked like Ty Smith played with the 2’s.
On the right side, It looks like Tanner Parker and Derrick Simmons or maybe Wyatt Tate played most of the snaps. It’s hard to tell them apart. I’m told that Tate is down to 285 and is just a beast.
Overall, this year’s OL already looks light years ahead of 2019 and 2020. There are so many more choices, so many more really big guys to compete for playing time. I didn’t see any drop off from 1 to 2. A big upgrade. And I promise to learn who’s who as I go to more practices.
Until I see more, I’m giving a C. (Last year was a C-)
I think the offense is better. But too many questions to give it higher than a C.
Another report next week.
QB - In both drills and scrimmage, Earle was the standout. It’s possible that Mansell has minor shoulder issues as he had support tape on his throwing side. But Stone was more accurate and seems to have a stronger arm. If it were up to me (thank goodness it’s not!). I would start Earle over Mansell.
Tentatively, I give this position a B. Slightly up from a B- last season.
RB - As expected, we seem to be in good shape here. Jermiah looks ready to play today. Tyrese flashed some of the 2019 form so hopefully he is fully recovered. Anthony is a dude...made some defenders look really bad. Watch out if he gets in space. McKnight got several carries with the backup OL and showed some promise but well behind the other 3.
This is our best position group going into camp. B same as last year.
WR - A member asked about Dax Neece. Played quite a few reps in the scrimmage and was targeted twice with no receptions. Meh. Probably not his best practice. Big 2021 Bonus!!! Alex Spadone is good, good, good. As in 50 receptions this year, good. Caught everything thrown his way both drills and scrimmage. In the scrimmage he made some adjustments to the ball that turned the DBs around, (Not just any DBs, Richardson, Satterfield and Anderson to name a few) Kobe and Darius made some superb catches but more than anything seem to have a knack for getting at least 5 yards open on every play. Jordan Brooks-Wess and Davion Johnson looked good to me as well.
No one else caught my attention but that is not to say there isn’t talent among the freshmen and other newcomers. At first glance, we are significantly improved for no other reason than Spadone. Big improvement over LJ.
Last year the only bright spot was Kobe. It looks better. C+
TE - Not much to say here. The scrimmage did not feature the tight ends and I didn’t watch much of their drills. Lutz made a nice catch in the scrimmage. The other notable thing was that I didn’t recognize Noah Caldwell. I’m guessing he has put on at least 20 pounds, maybe more. He looks strong. The scrimmage was mainly inside the 20. I have no idea why we don’t feature those huge tight ends in the passing game. Incomplete
Everyone wants to know about the OL. You may not be satisfied with my report but I’ll do the best I can.
C - Collin James (for sure) played with the first unit as far as I could tell and Truitt Knox (I think) played with the second although they moved around some. Definite upgrade in quality and depth.
OG - I have no idea who was playing guard. Recognized Jaron Marshall. Can’t imagine that he wouldn’t start. At the other guard, there are so many choices. I think I recognized Alan Hatten. He’s a big dude, BTW.
OT - This is a bit more obvious. Reese Moore played left tackle backed up by Mitch Melrose. For those who asked, Reese is long and rangy and definitely knows what he’s doing. He might be closer to 278 than 300, I don’t know. Melrose worked in all of the drills but did not take part in the contact scrimmage. Looked like Ty Smith played with the 2’s.
On the right side, It looks like Tanner Parker and Derrick Simmons or maybe Wyatt Tate played most of the snaps. It’s hard to tell them apart. I’m told that Tate is down to 285 and is just a beast.
Overall, this year’s OL already looks light years ahead of 2019 and 2020. There are so many more choices, so many more really big guys to compete for playing time. I didn’t see any drop off from 1 to 2. A big upgrade. And I promise to learn who’s who as I go to more practices.
Until I see more, I’m giving a C. (Last year was a C-)
I think the offense is better. But too many questions to give it higher than a C.
Another report next week.