Did you think I forgot all of you?
I know practice updates have been scarce from me and I do have to apologize. With the hoops teams running to the final four it has put a lot of strain on the desk, which I was moved to last summer. So, I have been heavy on the editing end of the spectrum. That has taken up the bulk of my time. I wanted to get out to practice to get a better feel and here are some thoughts from Tuesday's practice. Hey, I can't work 18 hour days...or can I?
QB: I didn't see Saturday's scrimmage, but by other accounts the QB was a little better today. I know Randy Edsall isn't going to name a starter till the end, if that, but in my opinion Zach Frazer seems to be a bit ahead at this point? I like his demeanor and he seems to be more confident with the offense. I didn't watch the second scrimmage however so take it with a grain of salt. Still, he threw a bad INT today to a linebacker that would have been taken back to the house. Endres did the same when he allowed the corner to jump a route and take it in for a score. Those are game-killers. But, overall as a whole, Edsall said he is happy with the progress of the offense.
The strengths and weaknesses of both are still prevalent. Frazer has to make better decisions and watch his mechanics, though I like his increased mobility. Endres throws a nice deep ball, but struggles with accuracy on the intermediate passes. It's not that he is missing receivers, but on a 7 yard pass you want to hit the receiver in stride. It's where he is putting the ball, not necessarily that he is bouncing it all over the place (which he isn't). It's all correctable. Both are much better pure throwers than Tyler Lorenzen.
As far as the defense, I like the way it's shaping up. Lindsey Witten looks primed for a big year. He wants to get up to 255 pounds. He played as a true frosh at 205. I actually got him to crack a semi smile which took quite a bit of work. Intense on the field. Edsall loves his potential as a pass rusher, he just n3eds to play lower to the ground (don't you love football terms?) to play the run better. Witten needs to be an every down defensive end.
Linebacker is loaded and the secondary looks good. Strong safety Jerome Junior hurt an ankle today at strong safety, but it doesn't look to be serious.
Other notes:
*Isiah Moore took some snaps with the first team. Isiah Moore has been one of the risers in camp. He didn't play much last year, but he is moving into contention for a spot in the rotation. I asked Moore if he felt like a forgotten man and he said "Yes." Moore has speed and ability and he he knows competition is fierce. Edsall said his performance is why he is moved up the depth chart. Moore knows that there are three receivers coming in as recruits including Dwayne Difton, who Moore called "A 4 star." And he knows that this is going to be a make or break spring. So far he is making it. He is a small receiver, probably about 5-9 to 5-10, but he has speed and ability.
*Keenan Chambers had a cast around his right wrist and is likely done for the spring. That would mean he is a likely redshirt for the upcoming season. As far as the other DEs who came in to camp. Both Jesse Joseph and Trevardo Williams will push for time as true frosh's. Joseph is ahead of Williams at this point.
*Jimmy Bennett is pushing to get into the starting lineup as a redshirt frosh at tackle. Bennett is massive and was a highly regraded recruit out of high school. Seniors Mike Hicks and Dan Ryan should be wary, the kid can play. Bennett is still behind a bit in the weight room. He is strong, but it's natural strength according to Edsall. The staff still wants to get him stronger in the weight room.
*The format of the Blue White game is still unresolved. Edsall is leaning towards 1st team offense and second team defense vs the other side. That would be most fair. Edsall evaluates the spring game, it's just not a fun exhibition.
Will a depth chart come out? Edsall is in no hurry. Why not? First off, as a practical matter there is a working depth chart but it is just not publicly released. Why not? Just one of those irrational coach things. I don't think it is held for any other reason that at this moment that Edsall doesn't want it released? I have no idea why, but it's not really a huge deal with me at this time since all the practices are open. You can get a working one by just looking at the field.
Gotta go and pay the bills,
John
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