Tuesday practice report

[PonyPride]

New combination? It's too early to speculate on starters at various positions, or even the hierarchy on the depth chart for the season opener, but a new face took some snaps with the first-team linebackers: redshirt freshman Cameron Rogers, who got some work on the top unit with Chase Kennemer, Pete Fleps and Youri Yenga.

Hit it: Tuesday's practice, the Ponies' third this preseason, was by far the most physical yet, especially in seven-on-seven drills in which coaches implored their players to stay on their feet, so as to reduce injury.

Return to sender: Three players — WR Justin Willis, WR Josh Bryant and CB Bryan McCann — rotated at punt returner in special teams drills. The drills were designed more to refine the Ponies' punt coverage, but the three fielded the ball cleanly, except for the one punt that sailed a long way over Bryant's head.

In the right direction: New P Matt Szymanski might not have the raw leg power that his predecessor, Thomas Morstead, has, but his leg is plenty strong, and at least for a day, he was exceptional with his directional punting. In a series of about 10 punts, he dropped four inside the 5-yard line, and right near the sideline.

Bringing the speed: Bigger players might deliver the more spectacular hits, but players who can't get in position can't make plays. In the coverage drills, three players who regularly led the charge downfield were RB Bryce Lunday and freshman LBs Taylor Reed and Ja'Gared Davis.

Leave a tip: Some have expressed concern about how quickly S Bryce Hudman will shake off the rust after missing the 2008 season, but he turned in one play Tuesday that contradicted the notion that he hadn't played in more than a year. Hudman crept up to help a LB covering on a short crossing route over the middle, and when the pass pinballed off the receiver's hands, Hudman — who already had left his feet as he lunged forward, was able to twist his body around to make a nice interception.

Working on their short game: The Ponies' 11-on-11 drills were dedicated largely to working on the short passes, including screen passes, quick slants to the slot WRs and short out routes of less than 15 yards. WR Cole Loftin was the target on many of the passes, and made several nice grabs, although he did "short-arm" a pass when LB Ryan Moczygemba had him in his crosshairs. The ball fell incomplete, and Moczygemba resisted the urge to blast Loftin.

Fast progress: That he's even on the field after the injury he suffered during spring workouts is pretty remarkable, but Willis showed that he is starting to get some speed back, too. He's still not where he wants to be in terms of cutting and lateral speed, but it was very encouraging to see him catch a quick screen pass, beat CB Chris Castro to the sideline and turn upfield. He ran pretty smoothly, and seemed confident on the leg as he picked up speed.

Get that out of here: At 5-foot-11, walk-on freshman CB Jeremy Gray isn't the tallest DB around, but he towered over WR B.J. Lee, who is six inches shorter. Gray put that height — and his leaping ability — to use on one of the few deep passes thrown all day, going leaping high over Lee to knock the ball away.

Audio file of head coach June Jones after Tuesday's practice:
http://www.ponyfans.com/audio/June_Jones_8-11-2009.wav

[kull]

thx for the coverage

[Stallion]

Is Hudman staying at Free Safety-I think he fits the mold of a Strong Safety much better. Seems like Hudman has played both SS and FS, but I always thought he fit better at SS but that was Sturdivant's position. He's a big guy that can deliver a hit like a LB which generally suggests SS. How about James Scott-Free Safety or Strong safety? I'd like to see Banjo and Scott fight it out at Free Safety and Hudman and Rock Dennis at Strong Safety.

[SmooBoy]

Great report. Who is punting now with Morstead's departure?

[Alaric]

Thanks fellas

[PonyPride]

Great report. Who is punting now with Morstead's departure?

Nice catch — had that in there before a computer crash. See edit ("In the right direction").

[indianmustang]

thanks for the report

[davidpaul123]

Get that out of here: At 5-foot-11, walk-on freshman CB Jeremy Gray isn't the tallest DB around, but he towered over WR B.J. Lee, who is six inches shorter. Gray put that height — and his leaping ability — to use on one of the few deep passes thrown all day, going leaping high over Lee to knock the ball away.

I really would like to see BJ Lee coming out of the backfield as a change of pace back rather than at reciever. I hope they have him returning punts and/or kickoffs and making use of his speed.