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Saturday Scrimmage
- Thread starter mrtnt3x
- Start date
fromolwyoming
Well-known member
Missed it, had to do some work around the house.mrtnt3x said:
Here is my offensive position by position break down. I'll make another post about the defense later.
QB
How successful the football team is this year will rest solely on ACS's ability to stay healthy. He was the best player on our team last year and he is even better this year. The kid just doesn't make mistakes and has a knack at making big plays when they are needed. He shredded the defense with both his arm and legs today. ACS has a chance to be one of the best QB's UW has ever had. Dax Crum played decently. He made one poor decision that resulted in an interception that was returned for TD. Although improved, Crum lacks the ablility to make the big play and won't lead this team to many wins. I'm hoping one of the entering freshman can take over the back-up QB spot in the fall.
RB
Alexander showed some nice moves at times. He had one 18 yard TD run that was especially good-looking. We all saw what he could do last year and I fully expect him to get the majority of the carry's this season. Terry looked like a capable back-up but he doesn't have that explosiveness that Alexander has. Where Terry may bust a 30 yard run, Alexander has the ability to hit the home-run and take it to the house. Tedder Easton saw some snaps with the 1st team offense, but I think it was more out of a lack of body's more than anything else. I don't expect Easton to see the field at all come this fall unless there are several injuries. I was disappointed that Kankolongo was injured. It will be interesting to see what both he and Evan Williams bring come fall. Honestly, I expect both of them to slowly work their way ahead of Terry on the depth chart, but I think Alexander will remain the go to guy.
WR
I'm not sure what to think of these guys right now. We definitely have more speed and athleticism at the WR spot, but I'm not sure we are that much improved overall. Bolger continues to be that technically sound guy who always seems to find a way to get open. Leonard looked pretty good, but didn't do anything to really stand out. I think TJ Smith will see a lot of time this fall and may work himself into the starting line-up by the time the season opener comes along. Chris McNeil also had a solid scrimmage, but he is so scrawny that I worry about his ability to stay healthy all season. Now for the two JUCO guys...Ogbonna has the ability to contribute to this team next year. He doesn't strike me as a guy who can dominate a game though, but who knows, it was only one scrimmage. This is going to send some shivers up some spines, but I have to call them like I see them...Lester is another Donate Morgan. Yeah, hes fast, but hes not a D1 caliber receiver in my opinion. I sometimes wonder if they took him because he came as a package deal with Ogbonna. Overall, I see a lot of good/decent wide receivers, but I still think we lack that #1 go-to guy that can always be counted on.
OL
I was pretty impressed with how the #1 offensive line performed. I think they will be improved a good amount over last year. They were subbing a lot of different guys in and trying guys out at different positions, so it was even more encouraging to see them play well. There are a lot of different guys who have a chance to end up in the starting line-up, but I think Sterner, Nick Carlson, and Kirven will end up being 3 of the 5. The JUCO guy, Puetz, as well as the redshirt freshman, Vonashek, also look to be pushing for a starting gig. They only allowed defenders to get to ACS a handful of times and most of the time ACS easily avoided it anyways. If I recall correctly, I don't believe ACS was sacked at all during the scrimmage. Overall, I'm very encouraged by the progress the OL is making.
QB
How successful the football team is this year will rest solely on ACS's ability to stay healthy. He was the best player on our team last year and he is even better this year. The kid just doesn't make mistakes and has a knack at making big plays when they are needed. He shredded the defense with both his arm and legs today. ACS has a chance to be one of the best QB's UW has ever had. Dax Crum played decently. He made one poor decision that resulted in an interception that was returned for TD. Although improved, Crum lacks the ablility to make the big play and won't lead this team to many wins. I'm hoping one of the entering freshman can take over the back-up QB spot in the fall.
RB
Alexander showed some nice moves at times. He had one 18 yard TD run that was especially good-looking. We all saw what he could do last year and I fully expect him to get the majority of the carry's this season. Terry looked like a capable back-up but he doesn't have that explosiveness that Alexander has. Where Terry may bust a 30 yard run, Alexander has the ability to hit the home-run and take it to the house. Tedder Easton saw some snaps with the 1st team offense, but I think it was more out of a lack of body's more than anything else. I don't expect Easton to see the field at all come this fall unless there are several injuries. I was disappointed that Kankolongo was injured. It will be interesting to see what both he and Evan Williams bring come fall. Honestly, I expect both of them to slowly work their way ahead of Terry on the depth chart, but I think Alexander will remain the go to guy.
WR
I'm not sure what to think of these guys right now. We definitely have more speed and athleticism at the WR spot, but I'm not sure we are that much improved overall. Bolger continues to be that technically sound guy who always seems to find a way to get open. Leonard looked pretty good, but didn't do anything to really stand out. I think TJ Smith will see a lot of time this fall and may work himself into the starting line-up by the time the season opener comes along. Chris McNeil also had a solid scrimmage, but he is so scrawny that I worry about his ability to stay healthy all season. Now for the two JUCO guys...Ogbonna has the ability to contribute to this team next year. He doesn't strike me as a guy who can dominate a game though, but who knows, it was only one scrimmage. This is going to send some shivers up some spines, but I have to call them like I see them...Lester is another Donate Morgan. Yeah, hes fast, but hes not a D1 caliber receiver in my opinion. I sometimes wonder if they took him because he came as a package deal with Ogbonna. Overall, I see a lot of good/decent wide receivers, but I still think we lack that #1 go-to guy that can always be counted on.
OL
I was pretty impressed with how the #1 offensive line performed. I think they will be improved a good amount over last year. They were subbing a lot of different guys in and trying guys out at different positions, so it was even more encouraging to see them play well. There are a lot of different guys who have a chance to end up in the starting line-up, but I think Sterner, Nick Carlson, and Kirven will end up being 3 of the 5. The JUCO guy, Puetz, as well as the redshirt freshman, Vonashek, also look to be pushing for a starting gig. They only allowed defenders to get to ACS a handful of times and most of the time ACS easily avoided it anyways. If I recall correctly, I don't believe ACS was sacked at all during the scrimmage. Overall, I'm very encouraged by the progress the OL is making.
Good write-up, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to hearing more from other posters that were there.
OK, here's my thoughts ont the defense.
DL
Believe it or not, this may end up being one of the strong points of the defense. We obviously are missing some guys right now, especially at the DT spot, but the guys who stepped in were still able to get the job done. I really like both Purcell and Stover at the DT spot. They have good size, but are still very agile and fairly quick. As far as the guys who actually scrimmaged, I think Patrick Mertens has a good chance of being involved in the rotation even with everybody healthy. He is a nice pick-up as a walk-on. Ben Durbin is a bit undersized for a DT, but probably will see the field in obvious passing situations. I also think Taufa'asau could make a big impact when he arrives in the fall. Sumter is a nice pick-up to add some beef to the line in running situations. I was very impressed with the transition both Knapton and Biezuns have made to DE. Knapton was nearly unstoppable. I think Knapton was overrated as an inside linebacker, but he seems to really excel at the DE spot. If Knapton plays like he did today, he will be a 1st team all-conference player. Biezuns really has a knack for getting into the backfield and making plays. I was a little bit nervous about how that transition to DE would go for both of them, but this scrimmage really put me at ease. DE really seems to be the best position for both of them.
LB
Hendricks reminds me a lot of Ward Dobbs. He has developed into a very, very good LB and he may have a break-out year this season. His pick-6 on Crum showcased his ability to make big plays. As far as the outside LB's are concerned, one word comes to mind...SPEED. Muhammad is probably the best player on the entire defense. Once he gets a little bit more experience, he is going to be a force in the MWC. He had a great scrimmage and was flying all over the field. Devyn Harris really didn't stand out much, but I didn't see him make any obvious mistakes. He was probably the least impressive of the 3 starting LB's, but I can't really complain about a solid showing. We don't have as much depth as we are used to having at the LB position. The starting 3 is a really impressive group, but I would be a little bit worried if there were any injuries. Todd Knight looked good in the scrimmage and will push Harris for the starting job at one outside spot. Alex Toney is backing up Hendricks at the MLB spot. Toney has been a consistent contributor to the team for several years now, but really isn't cut out to be starter in this league. Keith Lewis should see some time at OLB as well, but he lacks the physicality that LB requires. I think our last signee, Ruben Narcisse may be able to see the field on a limited basis right away.
Secondary
I still think this group is overrated. Both Prosinkski and Marcell Gipson can make a nice play on one snap and then turn around and make a bone-head mistake on the very next snap. Their lack of consistency really worries me. I really liked what I saw out of Tashaun Gipson though. He has really improved his coverage skills and is capable of making tough tackles on perimeter runs. He really is good enough where I think teams will start to scheme away from him. Gary had another solid showing. He is one of those guys that always seems to end up around the football no matter where the play goes. Look for both Kenny Browder and Larry Mitchell to see the field in nickle and dime situations. I like the talent level that we are building up in the secondary and I actually expect the secondary to be even better next year even though we lose Prosinski and M. Gipson. I honestly think the the JUCO CB, Daniels, has a legitimate chance at taking over a starting spot if he is capable of picking up the mental part of the game quick enough. Overall, the secondary is a decent/solid group, but anybody who says they are the strength of the defense isn't watching the same team I am.
DL
Believe it or not, this may end up being one of the strong points of the defense. We obviously are missing some guys right now, especially at the DT spot, but the guys who stepped in were still able to get the job done. I really like both Purcell and Stover at the DT spot. They have good size, but are still very agile and fairly quick. As far as the guys who actually scrimmaged, I think Patrick Mertens has a good chance of being involved in the rotation even with everybody healthy. He is a nice pick-up as a walk-on. Ben Durbin is a bit undersized for a DT, but probably will see the field in obvious passing situations. I also think Taufa'asau could make a big impact when he arrives in the fall. Sumter is a nice pick-up to add some beef to the line in running situations. I was very impressed with the transition both Knapton and Biezuns have made to DE. Knapton was nearly unstoppable. I think Knapton was overrated as an inside linebacker, but he seems to really excel at the DE spot. If Knapton plays like he did today, he will be a 1st team all-conference player. Biezuns really has a knack for getting into the backfield and making plays. I was a little bit nervous about how that transition to DE would go for both of them, but this scrimmage really put me at ease. DE really seems to be the best position for both of them.
LB
Hendricks reminds me a lot of Ward Dobbs. He has developed into a very, very good LB and he may have a break-out year this season. His pick-6 on Crum showcased his ability to make big plays. As far as the outside LB's are concerned, one word comes to mind...SPEED. Muhammad is probably the best player on the entire defense. Once he gets a little bit more experience, he is going to be a force in the MWC. He had a great scrimmage and was flying all over the field. Devyn Harris really didn't stand out much, but I didn't see him make any obvious mistakes. He was probably the least impressive of the 3 starting LB's, but I can't really complain about a solid showing. We don't have as much depth as we are used to having at the LB position. The starting 3 is a really impressive group, but I would be a little bit worried if there were any injuries. Todd Knight looked good in the scrimmage and will push Harris for the starting job at one outside spot. Alex Toney is backing up Hendricks at the MLB spot. Toney has been a consistent contributor to the team for several years now, but really isn't cut out to be starter in this league. Keith Lewis should see some time at OLB as well, but he lacks the physicality that LB requires. I think our last signee, Ruben Narcisse may be able to see the field on a limited basis right away.
Secondary
I still think this group is overrated. Both Prosinkski and Marcell Gipson can make a nice play on one snap and then turn around and make a bone-head mistake on the very next snap. Their lack of consistency really worries me. I really liked what I saw out of Tashaun Gipson though. He has really improved his coverage skills and is capable of making tough tackles on perimeter runs. He really is good enough where I think teams will start to scheme away from him. Gary had another solid showing. He is one of those guys that always seems to end up around the football no matter where the play goes. Look for both Kenny Browder and Larry Mitchell to see the field in nickle and dime situations. I like the talent level that we are building up in the secondary and I actually expect the secondary to be even better next year even though we lose Prosinski and M. Gipson. I honestly think the the JUCO CB, Daniels, has a legitimate chance at taking over a starting spot if he is capable of picking up the mental part of the game quick enough. Overall, the secondary is a decent/solid group, but anybody who says they are the strength of the defense isn't watching the same team I am.
fromolwyoming
Well-known member
How was Kankalongo injured?
zappinpoke
Well-known member
On the subject of LB's, what about the guy from Germany? I thought he was on campus for spring ball.
gopokes1399
Well-known member
A couple questions... Are ACS and Dax the only 2 QBs on campus? How about Burkhalter or jaynes (6'4" 205 from Chicago) at reciever? When will Tooley be healthy did he tear an ACL? and How did Gary look?
fromolwyoming
Well-known member
For Tooley, and speaking from personal experience with knee surgeries, he may not be fully ready for a while yet, but should be at full health for fall practice, provided everything has gone well with his ACL.gopokes1399 said:
gopokes1399 said:
There was a kid named Eli Zent who took just a few snaps at QB during the scrimmage. However, I noticed he isn't listed on the updated roster list. My guess would be that he is a walk-on that isn't officially part of the team yet. I don't know much about the guy to be honest. Losing Benjamin really hurt our depth at the QB position. We really need one of the incoming freshman to step up and take over the #2 spot or things could get really ugly if ACS gets injured.
Burkhalter actually had a real nice 50 yard catch during the scrimmage. I think he will definitely see some reps at receiver. I don't really remember seeing Jaynes. As far as I know, he wasn't injured. I'm still not totally familiar with all the new numbers, so I probably just missed him because he didn't have any catches. We should know more about where he stands on the depth chart as spring moves along.
Tooley should be ready to go come fall practice. It was an ACL tear. It really seems to be a crap shoot whether or not a player ever fully regains his prior form following a knee injury like that. Lets hope Tooley is able to come back at full strength.
Gary didn't have a big game as far as stats are concerned, but he was very active the entire scrimmage. Nothing outstanding out of Gary, but he played a solid SS. He did have one nice play on a ball to break up a pass. Hopefully he can continue to improve and become a force in the secondary.
NowherePoke
Well-known member
TheRealUW said:
Gags' blog said that Zent was a walk-on from Shoshoni FWIW. I think he is a little bit older (mission?). Don't know much about him.
breakingtherock
Member
spealing of qb depth and benjamin leaving. does anyone know what school he ended up transferring to? d1? d1aa? d2?
fromolwyoming
Well-known member
Rumor has it, that it was a div. 1 aa. Other than that, no clue.breakingtherock said:
