Thursday (6/30/11) voluntary workout notes

[PonyPride]

• Thursday marked the first day some of the incoming freshmen worked out with their new teammates. Those that I recognized (apologies to those I didn't ... yet) included WR Nyle Johnson, NT Darrian Wright, RB Jared Williams, OL Taylor Lasecki, WR Darius Joseph, CB Daren Kitchen, WR Arrius Holleman, CB J.R. Richardson ... and QB Connor Preston, who has been on campus since January. Others were there, and the linemen spent most of the day inside, lifting and doing agility work with the strength and conditioning staff.

• QB Kyle Padron started fast, completing his first six passes, including a short out route to WR Cole Beasley for a touchdown.

• One of the better plays of the day was on a ball that almost didn't reach its target. A pass by QB Steve Kaiser was headed straight into the mitts of SS Justin Sorrell, until WR Darius Johnson raced back, ducked under Sorrell's outstretched arms and snagged the pass for a short gain.

• Most of the freshmen in attendance did little other observe and ask questions of some of the veteran players. Some did take the field for plays, though, and WR Arrius Holleman was kicked in the deep end early. On his first play, Holleman took off down the left sideline, chasing a deep pass from QB Conner Preston. The ball sailed over Holleman's head, at least in part because CB Sterling Moore was tugging on Holleman's shirt ... or shorts ... or both.

• The seven-on-seven drills are good for conditioning, and are a good teaching tool for the young players learning the offensive and defensive systems. That said, it's hard to ignore the fact that on his first day working out with his new teammates, Holleman showed flashes of why he was recruited. At a reported 6-foot-2.5, Holleman towered over the defensive backs who covered him, and showed good speed, creating ample separation on a couple of deep routes. All of the freshmen have a lot to learn, but if nothing else, it was evident Holleman has some of the tools to be a useful wideout.

• One player who has made several nice plays over the last week has been DB Clay McMillan. The Southlake (Carroll), Texas native was at it again Thursday, shadowing WR Keenan Holman across the end zone and knocking away what looked like a sure touchdown pass from from QB J.J. McDermott.

• The defensive play of the day was turned in by LB Randall Joyner, who leaped to intercept a Preston pass in traffic the end zone.

• When LB Uchenna Nwabuike signed last year with SMU, Hightower High School head coach Shane Hallmark said, "He'll have some learning to do, as far as playing linebacker, because we didn't ask him to do a lot of the things that go along with that position, like dropping into coverage, but there's absolutely no question he can do it." Seems Hallmark knows what he's talking about, as Nwabuike has improved considerably in coverage. He appears much more comfortable mirroring receivers downfield. At one point, he refused to bite on a double move by WR Ryan Walker, staying with him all the way up the sideline and deftly steering him out of bounds as the pass fell incomplete. It was a subtle play that often would go unnoticed, but it Nwabuike's increased comfort level at linebacker after playing as a down lineman in high school.

• The players will not work out Friday afternoon, because of the holiday weekend.

[SMU_is_bowling]

Thanks!!!

[Harry0569]

Great as always. Thanks PP.

[RE Tycoon]

Was that PonyPride as the lone spectator in the Channel 11 piece?

[cutter]

great stuff.
thanks.
good to hear of DJ being out there.

[westexSMU]

How fast is Holleman in the 40 ?

[PerunaPunch]

4.5 and fast as 4.38 handheld per PonyFans' recruiting roundup.
http://www.ponyfans.com/features/recrui ... php?id=134