At some point this summer, the sun will rise high in the sky and bake the turf at Joe Walton Stadium until it's unbearable. It's August in Pennsylvania and a brutal heat wave is a customary right of passage for football players in the Keystone State.
But as Robert Morris took the field Friday for its first training camp practice of 2013, the weather wasn't scorching hot. The sun popped out the clouds from time to time to warm up The Joe, but it remained pleasant throughout the day. The surprisingly mild start no doubt contributed to the enthusiasm on the field, from coaches barking out orders for the first time to players whooping and hollering through drills.
This is the time when those who love the game of football practically bubble with excitement. After months of being away from the field, they're back on that familiar turf. No longer is it just the stale smell of weight rooms or the gritty touch of concrete stairs on their schedule, but the thrill of actual football drills.
Robert Morris was just in shorts, jerseys and helmets today. That will continue for the next couple of days. For now, the focus is truly about excitement. It's the excitement from seniors who very well could be playing their last season of competitive football, the excitement of underclassmen who are eying their first starting spot, and the excitement of freshmen undergoing a completely new experience.
The heat may not be in air just yet, but the excitement was palpable. Welcome to football season.
TWO-DEEP DEPTH CHART
QB - Derik Abbott or Paul Jones
RB - Deontae Howard / Kenny Davis
FB - Ryan Thermil / Corey Garry
TE - Andrew Smith / D.J. Pearson
WR - Donte Jeter / D.J. Hayes
WR - Duane Mitchell / Chad Dawgiello
LT - A.J. Dalton / Dylan Knight
LG - Max Robertson / Josh Thiel
C - Nick Faraci / Anthony Lucien
RG - Vince Mongelluzzo / Blake Chambliss
RT - Jon Hill / Riley Feenan
DE - Forrest Mason / T.J. Matrascia
DT - Farren Mason / R.J. Cook
DE - Chris Thompkins / A.J. Holderman
OLB - Mark Centofanti / Jake Tkach
MLB - Kyle Cooper / Luke Mueller
MLB - Mike Cook / Matthew Fox
OLB - Kimani Smith / Devon Cesario
CB - Marcelis Branch / Brian Jones
S - D.J. Myers / Sam Collins
S - Eric Lowry / Phil Peckich
CB - Antwan Eddie / Clay Ilkin
Fun With Numbers:
There are times when I swear some of the players change numbers just to mess with guys like me. It's difficult enough to track the newcomers - especially since RMU hasn't written the last names in marker on the helmets, at least not yet - but when the veterans play hot potato with numbers, it's an adventure.Safety D.J. Myers, after two years as No. 34, is now No. 23Corner Brian Jones is on his fourth number in two years. He's now No. 13
As for the newcomers, here's what we could determine on Day 1
efensive end Ryan Budny is No. 98Defensive tackle Zack Zamiska is No. 53Linebacker Mike Stojkovic is No. 40Linebacker Todd-Jamal Waters is No. 54Linebacker Zach Cooper is No. 34Linebacker Nic Lamica is No. 42Offensive lineman Blake Chambliss is No. 78Offensive lineman Riley Feenan is No. 79Offensive lineman Drew Garbenis is No. 73Offensive lineman Chris O'Connor is No. 65Offensive lineman Mike Randolph is No. 66Safety Logan Kelleher is No. 30Safety Andy Smigiera is No. 35Safety Sam Woods is No. 26Running back Erich Maine is No. 37Fullback Nick Sponyoe is No. 43
We should have the rest tomorrow. I have a good idea of the other numbers but I want to double-check, especially with the new quarterbacks, who are all about the same height with similar features when they have their helmets on.
News and Notes:
There were a few notable absences. Running back Evan Taylor is away from the team to tend to a personal medical issue. There's no timetable for his return. Freshman wide receiver Chaq Nettles is also not in camp yet as RMU works through an issue with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Safety Ky Kenyon, who was in position to challenge for a starting spot, has transferred to Central Florida though it doesn't appear he'll play football there, while tight end Cory Nolton and kicker Drew Krall have left the team. Those were the most noticeable absences so far; we'll work through the roster in the next couple of days to document everything.A couple of late additions to the roster include running back Perez Mackell and offensive lineman Carlton Watson. Linebacker Jake Skinner, a scout team guy last year, also made a somewhat unexpected return. He's a military guy and I believe he was initially expected to be called up to active duty during the season, but it looks like that may have changed. We'll be talking with Skinner later in camp to find out more of his story.There were no surprises on the depth chart. As is customary, the early two-deep is full of returning players with experience. In fact, with everyone healthy, there was just one change from spring ball and that was Deontae Howard subbing for Taylor as the starting tailback. If Taylor is unable to return in a timely manner, there could be significant competition at tailback. Howard had a shot at the starting job before but was unable to keep it. There's little doubt he's relishing another shot. Kenny Davis has shown a lot of promise in the offseason, and there are a handful of youngsters in camp as well. There's also the chance that Ryan Thermil could get more carries as a tailback rather than fullback.Outside of quarterback, there are a couple of other significant position battles that should be interesting. One is the fight to be part of the rotation at defensive end, and I expect it to center around T.J. Matrascia, A.J. Holderman, Ryan Lewis and Tyler Potts. Matrascia and Holderman have a leg up right now because Lewis, a freshman, is still raw. Potts sat out last year per transfer rules and is finally healthy after battling leukemia since he was 18 years-old. Matrascia has been a scout team guy the last two years, while Holderman has patiently waited his time through the last four seasons. Forrest Mason and Chris Thompkins should be the starters, but the battle behind them could be a lot of fun. Don't count out Adrian Perez, either, who is now at defensive end after starting his career at RMU as a linebacker.Also keep an eye on wide receiver. Chad Dawgiello and D.J. Hayes started today off as the backups, but they'll have plenty of competition. One potential guy who could surprise: Redshirt freshman Sean Gavin. He's not physically imposing or blazing fast, but he had an excellent first day. If he parlays that into a strong camp, he could get some significant minutes behind Duane Mitchell and Donte Jeter.The battle for the nickel and dime corner roles should also be interesting. Clay Ilkin and Brian Jones are slotted in there now, but Malik Johnson and David Taylor will give them a run for their money.
Some brief notes on the newcomers:Riley Feenan, Chris O'Connor and Drew Garbenis all appear to be getting their first tastes of college football at the tackle spots on the line. Feenan worked at right tackle with the second unit while Garbenis worked at right tackle with the third unit. O'Connor worked at left tackle with the third unit. Blake Chambliss got his initial reps at right guard with the second unit.Todd-Jamal Waters is a big man. He's a legitimate 6-foot-4, which makes him stick out at middle linebacker. We'll see if he sticks there or if Robert Morris moves him elsewhere. It looks like he can move pretty well, too.Mike Stojkovic is working at outside linebacker, as anticipated. The North Texas transfer isn't just getting used to a new school, but a new system. North Texas played a 4-3 defense, where Stojkovic played outside linebacker. Now he's learning how to play the 3-4 outside linebacker spot.Freshmen defensive backs Logan Kelleher, Andy Smigiera and Sam Woods are all working at safety. None of the newcomers are working at corner.
Finally, our plays of the day:Throw of the Day: Derik Abbott zipped a pass to D.J. Hayes in what could realistically be called quadruple coverage. It didn't matter. Abbott placed the ball perfectly as none of the four defenders could make a play on it and Hayes cradled it for a nice catchCatch of the Day: Deep balls down the sideline can be tricky when the wind picks up at Joe Walton Stadium, but Sean Gavin apparently doesn't care. Gavin got a step on his man on a streak into the end zone and laid out for a spectacular catch, going full extension to pluck the ball out of the air before it hit the turf.Pick of the Day: The top corners tend to go against the top receivers in 1-on-1 drills, and Antwan Eddie got the best of Donte Jeter. The junior corner stayed tight on the speedy receiver as he ran a comeback route, and then Eddie jumped in front of him for a nice interception.
We'll be right back at it tomorrow with Day 2.
But as Robert Morris took the field Friday for its first training camp practice of 2013, the weather wasn't scorching hot. The sun popped out the clouds from time to time to warm up The Joe, but it remained pleasant throughout the day. The surprisingly mild start no doubt contributed to the enthusiasm on the field, from coaches barking out orders for the first time to players whooping and hollering through drills.
This is the time when those who love the game of football practically bubble with excitement. After months of being away from the field, they're back on that familiar turf. No longer is it just the stale smell of weight rooms or the gritty touch of concrete stairs on their schedule, but the thrill of actual football drills.
Robert Morris was just in shorts, jerseys and helmets today. That will continue for the next couple of days. For now, the focus is truly about excitement. It's the excitement from seniors who very well could be playing their last season of competitive football, the excitement of underclassmen who are eying their first starting spot, and the excitement of freshmen undergoing a completely new experience.
The heat may not be in air just yet, but the excitement was palpable. Welcome to football season.
TWO-DEEP DEPTH CHART
QB - Derik Abbott or Paul Jones
RB - Deontae Howard / Kenny Davis
FB - Ryan Thermil / Corey Garry
TE - Andrew Smith / D.J. Pearson
WR - Donte Jeter / D.J. Hayes
WR - Duane Mitchell / Chad Dawgiello
LT - A.J. Dalton / Dylan Knight
LG - Max Robertson / Josh Thiel
C - Nick Faraci / Anthony Lucien
RG - Vince Mongelluzzo / Blake Chambliss
RT - Jon Hill / Riley Feenan
DE - Forrest Mason / T.J. Matrascia
DT - Farren Mason / R.J. Cook
DE - Chris Thompkins / A.J. Holderman
OLB - Mark Centofanti / Jake Tkach
MLB - Kyle Cooper / Luke Mueller
MLB - Mike Cook / Matthew Fox
OLB - Kimani Smith / Devon Cesario
CB - Marcelis Branch / Brian Jones
S - D.J. Myers / Sam Collins
S - Eric Lowry / Phil Peckich
CB - Antwan Eddie / Clay Ilkin
Fun With Numbers:
There are times when I swear some of the players change numbers just to mess with guys like me. It's difficult enough to track the newcomers - especially since RMU hasn't written the last names in marker on the helmets, at least not yet - but when the veterans play hot potato with numbers, it's an adventure.Safety D.J. Myers, after two years as No. 34, is now No. 23Corner Brian Jones is on his fourth number in two years. He's now No. 13
As for the newcomers, here's what we could determine on Day 1
efensive end Ryan Budny is No. 98Defensive tackle Zack Zamiska is No. 53Linebacker Mike Stojkovic is No. 40Linebacker Todd-Jamal Waters is No. 54Linebacker Zach Cooper is No. 34Linebacker Nic Lamica is No. 42Offensive lineman Blake Chambliss is No. 78Offensive lineman Riley Feenan is No. 79Offensive lineman Drew Garbenis is No. 73Offensive lineman Chris O'Connor is No. 65Offensive lineman Mike Randolph is No. 66Safety Logan Kelleher is No. 30Safety Andy Smigiera is No. 35Safety Sam Woods is No. 26Running back Erich Maine is No. 37Fullback Nick Sponyoe is No. 43We should have the rest tomorrow. I have a good idea of the other numbers but I want to double-check, especially with the new quarterbacks, who are all about the same height with similar features when they have their helmets on.
News and Notes:
There were a few notable absences. Running back Evan Taylor is away from the team to tend to a personal medical issue. There's no timetable for his return. Freshman wide receiver Chaq Nettles is also not in camp yet as RMU works through an issue with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Safety Ky Kenyon, who was in position to challenge for a starting spot, has transferred to Central Florida though it doesn't appear he'll play football there, while tight end Cory Nolton and kicker Drew Krall have left the team. Those were the most noticeable absences so far; we'll work through the roster in the next couple of days to document everything.A couple of late additions to the roster include running back Perez Mackell and offensive lineman Carlton Watson. Linebacker Jake Skinner, a scout team guy last year, also made a somewhat unexpected return. He's a military guy and I believe he was initially expected to be called up to active duty during the season, but it looks like that may have changed. We'll be talking with Skinner later in camp to find out more of his story.There were no surprises on the depth chart. As is customary, the early two-deep is full of returning players with experience. In fact, with everyone healthy, there was just one change from spring ball and that was Deontae Howard subbing for Taylor as the starting tailback. If Taylor is unable to return in a timely manner, there could be significant competition at tailback. Howard had a shot at the starting job before but was unable to keep it. There's little doubt he's relishing another shot. Kenny Davis has shown a lot of promise in the offseason, and there are a handful of youngsters in camp as well. There's also the chance that Ryan Thermil could get more carries as a tailback rather than fullback.Outside of quarterback, there are a couple of other significant position battles that should be interesting. One is the fight to be part of the rotation at defensive end, and I expect it to center around T.J. Matrascia, A.J. Holderman, Ryan Lewis and Tyler Potts. Matrascia and Holderman have a leg up right now because Lewis, a freshman, is still raw. Potts sat out last year per transfer rules and is finally healthy after battling leukemia since he was 18 years-old. Matrascia has been a scout team guy the last two years, while Holderman has patiently waited his time through the last four seasons. Forrest Mason and Chris Thompkins should be the starters, but the battle behind them could be a lot of fun. Don't count out Adrian Perez, either, who is now at defensive end after starting his career at RMU as a linebacker.Also keep an eye on wide receiver. Chad Dawgiello and D.J. Hayes started today off as the backups, but they'll have plenty of competition. One potential guy who could surprise: Redshirt freshman Sean Gavin. He's not physically imposing or blazing fast, but he had an excellent first day. If he parlays that into a strong camp, he could get some significant minutes behind Duane Mitchell and Donte Jeter.The battle for the nickel and dime corner roles should also be interesting. Clay Ilkin and Brian Jones are slotted in there now, but Malik Johnson and David Taylor will give them a run for their money.
Some brief notes on the newcomers:Riley Feenan, Chris O'Connor and Drew Garbenis all appear to be getting their first tastes of college football at the tackle spots on the line. Feenan worked at right tackle with the second unit while Garbenis worked at right tackle with the third unit. O'Connor worked at left tackle with the third unit. Blake Chambliss got his initial reps at right guard with the second unit.Todd-Jamal Waters is a big man. He's a legitimate 6-foot-4, which makes him stick out at middle linebacker. We'll see if he sticks there or if Robert Morris moves him elsewhere. It looks like he can move pretty well, too.Mike Stojkovic is working at outside linebacker, as anticipated. The North Texas transfer isn't just getting used to a new school, but a new system. North Texas played a 4-3 defense, where Stojkovic played outside linebacker. Now he's learning how to play the 3-4 outside linebacker spot.Freshmen defensive backs Logan Kelleher, Andy Smigiera and Sam Woods are all working at safety. None of the newcomers are working at corner.
Finally, our plays of the day:Throw of the Day: Derik Abbott zipped a pass to D.J. Hayes in what could realistically be called quadruple coverage. It didn't matter. Abbott placed the ball perfectly as none of the four defenders could make a play on it and Hayes cradled it for a nice catchCatch of the Day: Deep balls down the sideline can be tricky when the wind picks up at Joe Walton Stadium, but Sean Gavin apparently doesn't care. Gavin got a step on his man on a streak into the end zone and laid out for a spectacular catch, going full extension to pluck the ball out of the air before it hit the turf.Pick of the Day: The top corners tend to go against the top receivers in 1-on-1 drills, and Antwan Eddie got the best of Donte Jeter. The junior corner stayed tight on the speedy receiver as he ran a comeback route, and then Eddie jumped in front of him for a nice interception.
We'll be right back at it tomorrow with Day 2.
