Monday practice report; depth chart update
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:44 amI made a cameo — a brief cameo — at practice. Here's my report:
CB J.R. McConico was there. Not practicing — he was in street clothes, watching — but got a warm reception from coaches and some teammates before taking off to get acclimated on campus. At first I wasn't sure it was him (thought so, but not positive), but when I made my early exit, I bumped into him, and he walked up and introduced himself. Really nice young man. Didn't have my measuring tape with me, but I'd guess he's in the 5-9 or 5-10 range. Special teams coach Dennis McKnight flipped a ball to him a few times, which he caught cleanly, so maybe the Mustangs line up to field a 10-foot punt, he's the guy.
That's it. End of practice report. Told you my cameo was brief.
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The depth chart was released to the media. Most of it is predictable, and if you have been reading our practice reports, most of these have been discussed. Nonetheless:
• Zach Line is listed as the starting RB, but the NCAA has yet to rule on Shawnbrey McNeal's eligibility.
• Everyone knew Emmanuel Sanders, Aldrick Robinson and Terrance Wilkerson had three of the WR spots locked up. As many expected, the fourth guy listed with the first-team WRs is Cole Beasley.
• Josh LeRibeus is listed as the first-team LG. Jordan Free is listed as the backup at both guard positions.
• Kelly Turner, who has worked at a lot of different spots along the line since he arrived, is listed as the backup LT (behind Kelvin Beachum, Jr.) Bryan Collins is J.T. Brooks' backup at RT.
• After moving inside during the spring, Pete Fleps is listed as the starting SAM (strongside) linebacker, joining Youri Yenga, Chase Kennemer and Cameron Rogers on the first team. The backups are the youngest group on the team: the old man is junior Pat Fleming, who is joined by freshmen Taylor Reed, Ja'Gared Davis and Brandon Henderson.
• Derrius Bell is the starter at LCB, backed up by JUCO transfer Sterling Moore. Given the number of teams that go with three-WR sets, Moore will play a lot.
• Bryce Hudman is listed as the backup FS behind Chris Banjo, but he can play both safety spots and will work as a third safety/LB in a lot of passing situations.
• Listed punt returners are Emmanuel Sanders and Darius Johnson. Bryan McCann and B.J. Lee are listed as the top two on kickoff returns.
CB J.R. McConico was there. Not practicing — he was in street clothes, watching — but got a warm reception from coaches and some teammates before taking off to get acclimated on campus. At first I wasn't sure it was him (thought so, but not positive), but when I made my early exit, I bumped into him, and he walked up and introduced himself. Really nice young man. Didn't have my measuring tape with me, but I'd guess he's in the 5-9 or 5-10 range. Special teams coach Dennis McKnight flipped a ball to him a few times, which he caught cleanly, so maybe the Mustangs line up to field a 10-foot punt, he's the guy.
That's it. End of practice report. Told you my cameo was brief.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The depth chart was released to the media. Most of it is predictable, and if you have been reading our practice reports, most of these have been discussed. Nonetheless:
• Zach Line is listed as the starting RB, but the NCAA has yet to rule on Shawnbrey McNeal's eligibility.
• Everyone knew Emmanuel Sanders, Aldrick Robinson and Terrance Wilkerson had three of the WR spots locked up. As many expected, the fourth guy listed with the first-team WRs is Cole Beasley.
• Josh LeRibeus is listed as the first-team LG. Jordan Free is listed as the backup at both guard positions.
• Kelly Turner, who has worked at a lot of different spots along the line since he arrived, is listed as the backup LT (behind Kelvin Beachum, Jr.) Bryan Collins is J.T. Brooks' backup at RT.
• After moving inside during the spring, Pete Fleps is listed as the starting SAM (strongside) linebacker, joining Youri Yenga, Chase Kennemer and Cameron Rogers on the first team. The backups are the youngest group on the team: the old man is junior Pat Fleming, who is joined by freshmen Taylor Reed, Ja'Gared Davis and Brandon Henderson.
• Derrius Bell is the starter at LCB, backed up by JUCO transfer Sterling Moore. Given the number of teams that go with three-WR sets, Moore will play a lot.
• Bryce Hudman is listed as the backup FS behind Chris Banjo, but he can play both safety spots and will work as a third safety/LB in a lot of passing situations.
• Listed punt returners are Emmanuel Sanders and Darius Johnson. Bryan McCann and B.J. Lee are listed as the top two on kickoff returns.
