Tuesday (4/1) practice observations

[PonyPride]

Once again, I didn't get there in time to see the whole practice. However:

Cover me! Coach Gansz was at it again with his coverage drills, bringing four guys at once at a would-be kick returner. Best "coverage" of the day was when DB Chris Castro, FS Tyler Jones, LB Ryan Moczygemba and LB Chase Kennemer closed in ... fast ... on Bryan McCann, who never got off the goal line before he was swarmed under.

Getting defensive: The defensive coaches seem to be implementing more formations, or at least trying more combinations to see what best fits the personnel. Looks like the defensive coaches view five DBs as potential starters: FS Tyler Jones, SS Rock Dennis, CB Derrius Bell, CB Bryan McCann and CB Tim Crosby. Presumably, one will start as the nickel back, but it wouldn't be surprising to see all get major minutes.

Run on: The two best runs of the day were turned in by Jessie Henderson. First he took a handoff and went between the left guard and left tackle, beat two DBs to the sideline and turned on the jets going up the sideline for a "touchdown" of about 50 yards. About a half an hour later, he did the exact same thing, heading the other direction. Looks like Henderson's burst is fully back.

Move of the da: QB Daniel Miller swung a quick screen pass in the flat to RB Ben Goldthorpe, who had to stop his route and reach behind him to make the catch. Once he pulled the ball in, he stutter-stepped for a second, and watched as LB Taylor Bon skidded by him. OK, maybe Bon just slipped, but it was a nice stop-and-go by Goldthorpe, who just moved to RB from DT.

Interception of the day: Didn't even count in the grand scheme of things, as it didn't take place in a "live" drill. But while the starting defense was working against a skeleton offense, Miller threw a ball downfield (that he might have been throwing away). Two LBs went up for it, but couldn't reach it. FS Tyler Jones outjumped both to pull it down.

Break up the DBs: Defensive play of the day was turned in by Bryan McCann. Late in the afternoon practice, Miller fired a pass wide to the left side to redshirt freshman Simeon Thomas, who leaped up to make the catch. Before he came back down to the ground, McCann leaped up directly in front of him to punch out the ball, which flew about 10 yards out of bounds before landing.

[SMU21TCU10]

Who looks to be doing the best at QB right now?

[PonyKai]

Turner is the only one to focus on at this point and time.

[PonyPride]

At this point in the spring, Turner appears to be the leader, but remember, there will be more QBs in camp in August. It appears the spring is being spent merely teaching the system and the techniquest preferred by the new coaches, and that the competition will begin in ernest in August.

[TheBestAvailable]

At this point in the spring, Turner appears to be the leader, but remember, there will be more QBs in camp in August. It appears the spring is being spent merely teaching the system and the techniquest preferred by the new coaches, and that the competition will begin in ernest in August.

Did anyone else notice JW throwing the ball on the visitor sideline at practice today? Who were the other two guys he was throwing to?

[SMU21TCU10]

Who is Ross hill? I had never heard of him before until i just saw his picture on the front of ponyfans.com. Is he a transfer or was he on the team last year?

[ponyboy]

At this point in the spring, Turner appears to be the leader, but remember, there will be more QBs in camp in August. It appears the spring is being spent merely teaching the system and the techniquest preferred by the new coaches, and that the competition will begin in ernest in August.

Did anyone else notice JW throwing the ball on the visitor sideline at practice today? Who were the other two guys he was throwing to?

We were there, but no I didn't see that. Wish I'd paid better attention. I did see Braden Smith out there again. I like that kid. And you guys are right about Gantz -- what a cool guy. I made my son listen to his every word.

[mrydel]

Who is Ross hill? I had never heard of him before until i just saw his picture on the front of ponyfans.com. Is he a transfer or was he on the team last year?

I googled him and found a site All American Sports Camp, that is apparently a sports camp that he runs in the Dallas area. Do not know if he has any success, but his bio states he is a Soph. QB at SMU and trains kids in football.

I do not know how to do that link thingy so go to: people.smu.edu/rwhill/company.htm and read about him

[StallionsModelT]

I was there with my dad and my favorite part of practice was watching the offensive line coach. That dude is seriously intense but doesn't intimidate the kids. Really an interesting collective approach to coaching and teaching.

[giacfsp]

At this point in the spring, Turner appears to be the leader, but remember, there will be more QBs in camp in August. It appears the spring is being spent merely teaching the system and the techniquest preferred by the new coaches, and that the competition will begin in ernest in August.

Did anyone else notice JW throwing the ball on the visitor sideline at practice today? Who were the other two guys he was throwing to?

I saw him - observing from a distance, and then throwing way off on the sideline. One guy who was with him was Zack Sledge - not sure who the big guy was.

[giacfsp]

Ross Hill, according to someone here (I assume PonyPride) is a walk-on redshirt freshman from California.

[Special_Delivery_Smu_Fans]

"Did anyone else notice Justin Willis throwing the ball on the visitor sideline at practice today?"

Wow, thats good news!

[PonyPride]

... not sure who the big guy was.

DE Josh Robinson. Good hands, too.