Thursday (3/20) practice observations

[PonyPride]

• Alumni at practice included: Allan Adami, Brian Bischoff

• 2008 freshmen at practice included: Braden Smith, Bryce Lunday

• Interesting juggling of the defensive line. Running with the first team: LE Anthony Sowe, LT Serge Elizee, RT Patrick Handy, RE Youri Yenga
Second unit: LE Adrian Dizer, LT Chris Parham, RT Zac Thomas, RE Jordan Johnson

• These coaches teach — constantly. When players are pulled aside for individual instruction, another coach swoops in to continue teaching. OL coach Dennis McKnight looks like he can still suit up, and at times looked like he might, in order to demonstrate technique. RBs coach Wes Suan was meticulous working with the running backs on the angles to take when approaching the QB for a handoff. DL coach Bert Hill was relentless with his group, putting aends and tackles through the same series of pass rush drills. And of course, Frank Gansz put the entire team through his standard special teams boot camp, eschewing the electronic bullhorn for a headset that allowed him to coach into a public address system. If that wasn't enough, the offense went through a skeleton drill, with subs standing in as token defensive players. On one scene, the mock pass rushers were Phillip Burley and ... June Jones.

• In one drill, Coach McKnight was barking at his offensive linemen to be quicker. The drill had a quarterback making a short pitch to a running back, who took off upfield, and clearly the offensive linemen needed to stay out in front and get downfield more quickly. On several consecutive plays, the quickest Mustang blocker: Josh LeRibeus.

• Catch of the day: Emmanuel Sanders. The junior-to-be ran a deep crossing route, and the pass was thrown a little behind him. Sanders turned toward his back (right) shoulder, twisted his body all the way around to make a stretching catch ... essentially behind him, as he ran away from the ball... or something. The description doesn't do it justice, but it was a sensational catch.

• The defensive line certainly looks different. Adrian Dizer is ... taking part in practice, which is a great sight. Youri Yenga is visibly bigger and stronger (Vic Viloria says Yenga has added about 15 pounds of lean muscle mass since the end of last season). Serge Elizee has lost 15, and it shows — he's much quicker in drills, and seems to have much better stamina. Zac Thomas looks thicker. Kyle DeGroat, coming off the busted ankle last year, moved surprisingly well in drills in which the linemen sprinted through foam tackling dummies — he's got a way to go, I would guess, but he was out there and running. The biggest transformation, though, is in Anthony Sowe. Remember how skinny he was when he signed? Now he says he's getting up toward 240, and looks impressive — very strong and very quick/explosive. Ran with the first-team defensive line, raced through drills with speed and power and showed good closing burst when tackling a foam dummy representing a QB. Will be interesting to see how he plays.

I know, it's short. Got out there late. Will get more in-depth next week.

[Eddie P]

So, a good practice was anticipated.

[indianmustang]

thanks for the update

[BUS]

Thank you for the report. It is nice to get to read the report when you can not come watch.
Thanks again.

[PonyOLineFan]

Thank you, Ponypride! We all appreciate your reports.
Way to go LeRibeus!!

[DiamondM75]

The report regarding LeRibeus does not surprise me. I first saw him when he was a junior at Berkner and was impressed then. As a junior, he consistantly beat his block and on many occasions would pancake the defender.

I remember sitting in the stands and saying to myself, "I wish we could get a player like that at SMU". My prayers were answered.

Keep an eye on Josh.

[Top 25]

Two other guys jumped out at me.

Rock Dennis is very, very quick and fluid, and Devon Bailey has completely transformed himself. He had a little softness to him when he first showed up; he's now, to borrow a description from one former SMU defensive coordinator, a card-carrying stud.

[2112]

mr ponyolinefan---what does your youngster think of the new staff???

[SMUBaller]

How did the QBs look ? Last report t indicated Turner was sharper than the rest.

[PonyPride]

How did the QBs look ? Last report t indicated Turner was sharper than the rest.

Will try to pay closer attention to the QBs next week.

Another alum in attendance along with Bischoff and Adami: former SMU defensive tackle Joe Medlin.

And, for you conspiracy theorists: Medlin is now the offensive line coach and assistant head coach at Mater Dei HS in Santa Ana, Calif. -- the high school of June Jones' last QB, Colt Brennan.

For those who assume this opens a recruiting pipeline and would like to begin guessing which players will become Mustangs, their roster can be found here:
http://html.sitepages.com/mdfootball/ht ... oster.html

[smu diamond m]

Great write-up, PP. Depending on how our NCAA tourney schedule ends up, I might see you at a practice next week. LeRibeus blowing through is comforting, especially since we all know we need a healthy OL.

[PonyOLineFan]

mr ponyolinefan---what does your youngster think of the new staff???

Hi..it's Ms...I'm Josh's mom. He's really had a lot of good things to say about the new coaches. He said they don't talk much, but when they do, they know what they are talking about. That is very positive to me and I'm looking forward to this season.

[White Helmet]

From Mater Dei I vote for the Christiansan kid some oline man listed at 6' 10" 240lbs, maybe it is a typo but if not he could be a nice addition.

[KnuckleStang]

Thanks again for the report PP, a cut above as always!

[CurrentStang]

thanks for taking the time to write these updates they are greatly appreciated