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View Full Version : Notes from the first week of spring practice


Bulldog Bry
03-11-2007, 11:18 AM
I compiled this from various boards and reports.

There’s only one healthy tight end on scholarship practicing – Tripp Chandler. Coleman Watson (groin) and NaDerris Ward(shoulder) will be fine by the fall. Bruce Figgins and Aron White don’t arrive until the summer.
Linebackers are hard to find, too. Akeem Hebron (hamstring) is non-contact and Marcus Washington (shoulder) and Daryl Gamble (foot) are out of commission for now. With Darius Dewberry bothered by a hamstring injury, Akeem Dent is the starting strong side LB. Brandon Miller seems to have taken to the middle spot extremely well. Dannell Ellerbe appears to be back in form.
Jeff Owens and Kade Owens appear to be a great tandem on the interior line. That’s probably a good thing because our DE’s need to hit the pasta.
None of the offensive linemen are really stepping up except for returning starters Fernando Velasco and Chester Adams. Don’t get worked up about the line not being able to ‘gel’ right away. It will take awhile. New OL coach Stacy Searels is going to get up in their grill. The stocks of Scott Haverkamp and Trinton Sturdivant are rising.
Brian Mimbs is the only punter listed right now, but he KNOWS he’s going to get some competition from Drew Butler in the fall.
Wide receiver Sean Bailey is back. If the rest of the receivers catch even half the balls they dropped last year, opposing defensive coordinators are going to have to account for them even more.
Knowshon Moreno is making an impact. It’s been said that he replaced Kregg Lumpkin on the first team. Brannan Southerland is still a beast.
Depending on how much they learn, Reshad Jones and Quintin Banks could spend a lot of time rotating in on the safety positions. There’s nothing wrong with starters Kelin Johnson and CJ Byrd, it’s just that Jones and Banks are that good.
Cornerbacks Paul Oliver and Bryan Evans look great.
The party line is that Andy Bailey and Brandon Coutu are still battling for the kicking spot, but unless Bailey’s psyche gets a major overhaul, Coutu will be the man.
Matt Stafford picked up where he left off. All he’s going to do is get better.

Dmldawg782
03-11-2007, 01:08 PM
The first week is always tough to. Everyone has to get back in the groove again. I look for some to make a push during the second week as the G-day game approaches.

No surprises really. I knew OL would be the question. I have heard that Moreno looks good, but doesn't know the offense good enough to be the starter.

I have also heard that Wynn looks really good. Has a great motor and will get better when he perfects his technique.

WR's are catching the ball; everyone can applaud that. Bailey has looked really good and caught some long balls. He's going to stretch the field with his speed.

Good to hear Miller is making the adjustments to the middle. Also about Ellerbe. They are our leaders now. Dent is an animal; loves contact.

I've heard nothing but good things about Jones and Banks as well, especially Banks. He has been laying the wood.

Few more weeks to enjoy.