Practice Observations - Saturday 7-27

[JasonB]

Apologies for the delay in posting today... had to coach in a soccer tourney after practice today.

Today, my focus was on the offensive playmakers. Again, limited time to watch the team, but here are some thoughts:

- I still continue to be blown away by how much Luster stepped forward in one year. He is third string and not threatening to start, but he does have the strongest arm on the team.
- Jennings really impressed me in the footwork drill. Stays compact and quick feet. We know he can scramble when he needs to and is athletic, but his inner pocket mobility is really good.
- Where Stone shines is when he is throwing on the move. If you watch his body, he is able to move out of the pocket quickly, but then almost instantly regains balance with his entire body when he throws. His throws while moving are really accurate.
- IMHO, I think there is actually a bit of a battle at QB. The decision is going to come down to who can get the ball out on time. I think the one area Rhett might get a little frustrated with Stone is when he waits for a bigger play to develop before making a decision and releasing the ball. Improvises a little too much. In the limited tempo drills we get to watch, I can tell that there is an emphasis on making a quick decision and releasing the ball. Stone is certainly in front right now, but staying there is going to require him to stay on rhythm in the offense.
- At RB, I came into camp thinking that LJ was going to have the lead role after improving in the spring, but that hasn't been settled. He looks good, but Rooster has taken a step forward I think. Had a really nice spin move at speed in the tempo drill on a run, and I was impressed with how he was able to retain perfect balance even though the spin was quick and he was running at speed going into the spin. I think there it is possible that both of these combo RBs have taken a step forward since last season.
- With the second group of speed RBs, Smith is fast as advertised. But I can see where the hype is coming about McFall. I haven't seen Camar yet, but McFall is impressive. Looks a little bigger than I thought he would - I think he has a frame that could add some weight. But he is really quick. I think they may try to redshirt him if McFall stays healthy, but we will see if they can actually go through with it.
- At TE, three guys stand out. Maryland looks bigger, but is still fluid and athletic. Hibner, from Michigan, is the real deal. He has size and blocks really well, especially in space on the WR screen drills. But he moves much better than I thought he would, is smooth in his routes, and has great hands. Finally, Adam Moore is really big and strong. He is a little shorter than the other two guys, but he is built like a rock and moves well. He has a bright future.
- I spent time watching the WR and I think Brinson, Hudson, and Smith have all taken steps forward. Brinson is long with great hands and good acceleration. Hudson looks faster, more consistent, stronger, and made a wonderful over the shoulder catch during drills. Smith was kind of the possession guy when I watched practice last year, but he looks a bit faster and is involved more in the offense. Dixon is the fourth of that outside WR group and is a good receiver but I don't think he has taken the step forward the other guys have. Cozart is fast, and next up, but isn't breaking into that top rotation, and Carroll is next on the list. Randy Reese is not ready yet.
- In the slot, Junior makes a crazy catch every time I watch them, and today was no exception with a diving grab on a crossing pattern. But they guy who looks really great is Bailey. He is a leader on the team, and very involved. He will be more involved this season I think, especially if the QBs are trying to release the ball quickly and on schedule.

A couple of additional notes:
- Woods was back at practice today and I watched him a bit. He is going to be really, really good inside at guard or center. I think he might be in the list of "guys that can play", joining PJ, Chamblee, Byrd, Parr, Clark, Anderson, Sparks, and Osborne. So I think we are up to at least 9 OL and we will see if Uter or (hopefully) Caleb Johnson can join the group by the end of fall camp.
- A defensive tidbit - I watched Speedy Nettles covering Cozart on a deep route during the temp drill. He just looks smooth and confident. Easily staying with Cozart while looking back in the backfield. Ball wasn't thrown their direction or anything, but I'd keep my eye on things as fall camp goes along to see if he can handle pads and fight his way up the food chain a bit.

[PNW_Stang]

Awesome report! Thanks.

Interesting you’re so high on Uter as a true freshman OL. That bodes well for his future. Same with McFall.
WR room sounds really deep. RB room sounds like it has stepped up. Luster sounds like the real deal. Sounds like we have enough good OL we shouldn’t be too worried. When was the last time we had three legit TEs?

[JasonB]

Awesome report! Thanks.

Interesting you’re so high on Uter as a true freshman OL. That bodes well for his future. Same with McFall.
WR room sounds really deep. RB room sounds like it has stepped up. Luster sounds like the real deal. Sounds like we have enough good OL we shouldn’t be too worried. When was the last time we had three legit TEs?

Caleb developing would really help on the OL. We are uber deep at guard, but we could use another tackle.

Uter more athletic than I think they expected for his size. Billy from ON3 was saying that his tape was really good and that he had pushed for them to reevaluate his rating last year. I think you really want him to redshirt and have a year with Grizz, but yest he is going to be a good one. A little ahead of Woods last year, when it was clear early that Woods was going to be a player in the future.

[dalpony]

Thanks Jason B - as always a great read

[PNW_Stang]

Well hopefully Uter’s brother (TE Commit) is also an underrated player for us.

[Roach]

- At RB, I came into camp thinking that LJ was going to have the lead role after improving in the spring, but that hasn't been settled. He looks good, but Rooster has taken a step forward I think. Had a really nice spin move at speed in the tempo drill on a run, and I was impressed with how he was able to retain perfect balance even though the spin was quick and he was running at speed going into the spin. I think there it is possible that both of these combo RBs have taken a step forward since last season.

Of course it hasn't been settled -- it's the first week. Other than maybe Elijah Roberts and I don't know, Collin Rogers, nothing has been settled, right?
Good stuff, JasonB

[HubbaHubba]

Great updates so far. Anything new?