Spring Football Practice (Video)
- Thread starter Original_RMC
- Start date
I'm gonna try to make it to practice tomorrow. Fennell is currently out with a knee injury last I knew and they have 4 healthy lineman so they've been running drills with 4 lineman I think. I know that one of the most important defensive players is ineligible right now, hopefully he brings his grades up by fall or it will be a big loss as we are kind of thin at his position.
Injury list/ non participants:
Zamiska
Reggie green
Delano Madison
Aiden Howard
Matt fennell
Connor mundy
Brandon Magee
I'm gonna post what I expect the starting lineup to be in a few days
Injury list/ non participants:
Zamiska
Reggie green
Delano Madison
Aiden Howard
Matt fennell
Connor mundy
Brandon Magee
I'm gonna post what I expect the starting lineup to be in a few days
Ty,
Thanks for update. I assume you talking about a LB with the freshman who is currently not eligible. Hopefully he did not dig himself a big hole. If he is close academically, he should be able to get figured out by fall, especially with summer classes added.
Is Howard still out due to the injury he had when he enrolled or is it something new?
This is a prime example of why we can almost guarantee that at least a couple of the freshman OL will be playing, so hopefully a couple of them stand out in the fall and show that they can play at an acceptable level.
These injuries are just sooo disheartening when they happen time after time. Anyone hear anything about the QB battle?
Thanks for update. I assume you talking about a LB with the freshman who is currently not eligible. Hopefully he did not dig himself a big hole. If he is close academically, he should be able to get figured out by fall, especially with summer classes added.
Is Howard still out due to the injury he had when he enrolled or is it something new?
This is a prime example of why we can almost guarantee that at least a couple of the freshman OL will be playing, so hopefully a couple of them stand out in the fall and show that they can play at an acceptable level.
These injuries are just sooo disheartening when they happen time after time. Anyone hear anything about the QB battle?
Aiden Howard messed up his knee a couple weeks ago, I'm not sure he will be healed by the fall. The quarterback battle is going to be something that is not decided until fall camp in my opinion. They are in a dead heat, jimmy throws a great ball, and Matt looks healthy and is throwing well again. He looks fully recovered from his lat injury. The one thing Matt holds the edge over jimmy with is his athleticism. Jimmy doesn't move hardly at all, he sits in the pocket. However, he does get the ball off quick and doesn't waste time back there. It'll be interesting to see where the qb battle leads. I also know the coaches are very high on two freshman coming in, bussy remaley and Alex Minford. I expect those two to push for a spot on the interior immediately but I don't see either of them starting unless we have a couple injuries to the line
Ty,
First of all thanks. Really and truly appreciate the update. Shame with Howard, was thinking he could be immediate impact guy.
First of all thanks. Really and truly appreciate the update. Shame with Howard, was thinking he could be immediate impact guy.
Okay, now that I have a couple minutes I can type up what I noticed and my thoughts toward the season after watching practice last week.
6 of the last 8 plays Monday turned into a fight between the offense and the defense. Now, I fully expect a little bit of a scuffle to break out on occasion between the offense and defense for the simple reason being competitiveness and some guys love to talk. But this was not that. They were full out brawling after each and every play at the end of practice. I am not going into much more detail than that, but it was surely not a good sign.
In light of the injuries and poor actions I saw Monday, there definitely are some positives. I think this line is going to be much improved from last season. I think that Rodriguez is a lock at left tackle, Mundy is a lock at left guard, and McCallister is a lock at center. I think the right guard and right tackle spot are up for grabs, between Boyette, Fennell, Mike Lamb, and two freshman coming in that coaches are really high on, Alex Minford of South Fayette, and Bussy Remaley of Hempfield. I think these 5 guys will compete for the ruight side of the line. That is just my opinion, alot can happen between now and August.
In the backfield, there are two running backs that are going to get substantial time, Dreher and Blake. Dreher is a kid that looks like he will beat anybody in the open field and they are even using some packages that split him to the outside to get 1 on 1 matchups it looks like. Johnathan Wanat will be in front of those two blocking.
At receiver, one kid stood out to me, Tim Vecchio. The kid just doesnt drop the ball. We witnessed it last fall and with a QB that can get him the ball I expect a great season from him. Not far behind are Delano Madison, Jamison Williams, and Brandon Magee. Maybe this is the year Jamison breaks out that we have been waiting 3 years to see. At slot I think Warren and Eldin will be there again.
At QB, both Jimmy and Matt were throwing the ball well. I think at this point Matt has a slight edge just because of his athleticism. Behind those two will be Chase and Romanchak plus a freshman coming in the fall from Ringgold. This battle wont be over until the season begins, I cant wait to see what comes out of it.
On the defensive side of the ball, Amir has had a great spring at DT while Zamiska has been in an arm sling. Both of those guys will remain impact players this season. Chris Stanford looked good and I think he owns the starting spot at DE, and I think Izon Pulley will be the other DE. There is definitely talent on the D line but behind those there is not a whole lot of depth. Derian Smith will see some time but that may be it.
At linebacker, the two inside spots are locks. It will be Joe Utahafe and Adam Wollet. Both starters returning from last season, and I dont see any issues there. At OLB, Gerald Ferguson is a lock I think, the other OLB is up for grabs. It will be between Tyler Lamica and whoever challenges him. Hopefully Gee will be back by the fall and hopefully Jimmy Masson is back and healed from ACL surgery.
In the secondary, we bring back every starter and I think they will have a great year. Drew Allen and Travon Stott at corner and Andy Smigiera and Ryan Richards at safety. I am ecstatic that Andy is back, he pretty much eliminates the deep ball from anybody we will play this fall. He can cover sideline to sideline because of his speed he looks healthy again.
Here are just some observations and thought I have on the upcoming season, feel free to give your response or disagree with anything. All in all, I think this team is greatly improved and brings back more experience than probably anybody in the NEC. They are gonna need it because the schedule isnt too friendly this fall
6 of the last 8 plays Monday turned into a fight between the offense and the defense. Now, I fully expect a little bit of a scuffle to break out on occasion between the offense and defense for the simple reason being competitiveness and some guys love to talk. But this was not that. They were full out brawling after each and every play at the end of practice. I am not going into much more detail than that, but it was surely not a good sign.
In light of the injuries and poor actions I saw Monday, there definitely are some positives. I think this line is going to be much improved from last season. I think that Rodriguez is a lock at left tackle, Mundy is a lock at left guard, and McCallister is a lock at center. I think the right guard and right tackle spot are up for grabs, between Boyette, Fennell, Mike Lamb, and two freshman coming in that coaches are really high on, Alex Minford of South Fayette, and Bussy Remaley of Hempfield. I think these 5 guys will compete for the ruight side of the line. That is just my opinion, alot can happen between now and August.
In the backfield, there are two running backs that are going to get substantial time, Dreher and Blake. Dreher is a kid that looks like he will beat anybody in the open field and they are even using some packages that split him to the outside to get 1 on 1 matchups it looks like. Johnathan Wanat will be in front of those two blocking.
At receiver, one kid stood out to me, Tim Vecchio. The kid just doesnt drop the ball. We witnessed it last fall and with a QB that can get him the ball I expect a great season from him. Not far behind are Delano Madison, Jamison Williams, and Brandon Magee. Maybe this is the year Jamison breaks out that we have been waiting 3 years to see. At slot I think Warren and Eldin will be there again.
At QB, both Jimmy and Matt were throwing the ball well. I think at this point Matt has a slight edge just because of his athleticism. Behind those two will be Chase and Romanchak plus a freshman coming in the fall from Ringgold. This battle wont be over until the season begins, I cant wait to see what comes out of it.
On the defensive side of the ball, Amir has had a great spring at DT while Zamiska has been in an arm sling. Both of those guys will remain impact players this season. Chris Stanford looked good and I think he owns the starting spot at DE, and I think Izon Pulley will be the other DE. There is definitely talent on the D line but behind those there is not a whole lot of depth. Derian Smith will see some time but that may be it.
At linebacker, the two inside spots are locks. It will be Joe Utahafe and Adam Wollet. Both starters returning from last season, and I dont see any issues there. At OLB, Gerald Ferguson is a lock I think, the other OLB is up for grabs. It will be between Tyler Lamica and whoever challenges him. Hopefully Gee will be back by the fall and hopefully Jimmy Masson is back and healed from ACL surgery.
In the secondary, we bring back every starter and I think they will have a great year. Drew Allen and Travon Stott at corner and Andy Smigiera and Ryan Richards at safety. I am ecstatic that Andy is back, he pretty much eliminates the deep ball from anybody we will play this fall. He can cover sideline to sideline because of his speed he looks healthy again.
Here are just some observations and thought I have on the upcoming season, feel free to give your response or disagree with anything. All in all, I think this team is greatly improved and brings back more experience than probably anybody in the NEC. They are gonna need it because the schedule isnt too friendly this fall
TY
Thanks a lot for your thoughts and insights. That is a bit troubling with the fighting as you described. A little bit or every now and again is one thing, but the frequency and veractiy you mentioned is a bit troubling.
Really excited to see how QB and OL shake out. I do think D Smith will be good on the DL, maybe not this season, but I think he will be really solid at some point.
Should be lots of talent at skill positions on O, Tim V is a beast, good to hear he is doing well.
Thanks a lot for your thoughts and insights. That is a bit troubling with the fighting as you described. A little bit or every now and again is one thing, but the frequency and veractiy you mentioned is a bit troubling.
Really excited to see how QB and OL shake out. I do think D Smith will be good on the DL, maybe not this season, but I think he will be really solid at some point.
Should be lots of talent at skill positions on O, Tim V is a beast, good to hear he is doing well.
Ty,
Sorry, I misunderstood what you meant. Happens a lot with me! Glad you think the same. Think he will be great.
Sorry, I misunderstood what you meant. Happens a lot with me! Glad you think the same. Think he will be great.
Thank you Ty for the updates on Spring practices.
Like some, I am concern with the amount of fights. You can fight but 6 out of the last 8 plays. Come on. That is not wanting to get better. That is just showing that you are tough. Acting tough on the practice field doesn't equal wins in the NEC. These coaches have a lot of work to do to pull this team back together. Like Coach Walton would say, you have to be happy for your teammates success. If someone beats you on the practice, good. They are working to make you better. If you are fighting just someone blocked you too hard or because you were tackled...etc then there are some internal issues that need to be ironed out.
The OL will be key for how this offense does. I think things will become clearer in August when everyone is on the field. I think they will start with Boyette at RG and Fennell at RT. Then have Lamb, the the FR push that 5.
Doesn't surprise me that the top two names are at the top. I expect big things from them both.
QB will be a two man race. While Barr could be doing well in Spring, there is a reason the coaches went hard after Jucos for QB. But agree, this will be decided in August.
Some concerns with the WR, need a true #1 to step up. Hopefully this is all settled in August.
The defense will be the strength of this team which should not be a surprise. I wonder who will be the surprise name along the DL this year. We typically get a name or two that makes the rotation.
Disappointed with Gee but I blame both the individual and coaches. Hopefully he will be back in August but can he win back his spot. I expect big things from Tyler Lamica this year.
Like some, I am concern with the amount of fights. You can fight but 6 out of the last 8 plays. Come on. That is not wanting to get better. That is just showing that you are tough. Acting tough on the practice field doesn't equal wins in the NEC. These coaches have a lot of work to do to pull this team back together. Like Coach Walton would say, you have to be happy for your teammates success. If someone beats you on the practice, good. They are working to make you better. If you are fighting just someone blocked you too hard or because you were tackled...etc then there are some internal issues that need to be ironed out.
The OL will be key for how this offense does. I think things will become clearer in August when everyone is on the field. I think they will start with Boyette at RG and Fennell at RT. Then have Lamb, the the FR push that 5.
Doesn't surprise me that the top two names are at the top. I expect big things from them both.
QB will be a two man race. While Barr could be doing well in Spring, there is a reason the coaches went hard after Jucos for QB. But agree, this will be decided in August.
Some concerns with the WR, need a true #1 to step up. Hopefully this is all settled in August.
The defense will be the strength of this team which should not be a surprise. I wonder who will be the surprise name along the DL this year. We typically get a name or two that makes the rotation.
Disappointed with Gee but I blame both the individual and coaches. Hopefully he will be back in August but can he win back his spot. I expect big things from Tyler Lamica this year.
ORMC,
Good additions. Completely agree with Gee and Lamica, Lamica has a TON of upside. The D will be great again I think, just need the O to hold their own and put some points up.
Good additions. Completely agree with Gee and Lamica, Lamica has a TON of upside. The D will be great again I think, just need the O to hold their own and put some points up.
So here's what I've seen and think.
QB: It's a two horse race, if it looks even I think it's only because Jimmy just got here. Matt didn't have a lot of field time last year due to the injury but he was here to understand the offense. I think he is still holding on to the ball a bit long...but throws do look good. I think in the fall Jimmy pulls away and gets the start, he looks good in the pocket, quick release and every rep looks crisper and more confident.
RB: With Blake and Dreher its thunder and lightening it's going to be smash mouth and wiggle. I can't wait.
WR: Vecchio has the softest hands I've ever seen. He doesn't miss and having a QB that hits him on crossing routes and post routes from the slot will be electric. Williams, Madison and Magee all will have their targets as well. It's not bad and a few freshmen coming in will see a ball or two I think as well
TE: Green is in the system and gets a QB the seam could be fun to watch. Miller likes his QBs to target the TE in the seam.
OL: They got better as the year went on and fought off some injuries as a group as well. It's tough to play injured now do that as freshmen OL. I think you will see the following:
Rene-LT
Mundy-LG OR RG
Eric-C
Fennell-RT or either G position
I think one of the freshmen get a look and depending on which one it is will determine where Fennell goes.
Defense I will take a shot at later.
But Andy looks Healthy. Fenwick looks great. Stanford looks solid again and bigger. Izon looks to locked it up at a DE and the ML look nailed down as well ( some incoming freshmen will get a few snaps here) . I agree that outside Lamica looks ready and in my opinion stronger than Gee. He isn't as athletic but is just a damn good football player...and I like that.
QB: It's a two horse race, if it looks even I think it's only because Jimmy just got here. Matt didn't have a lot of field time last year due to the injury but he was here to understand the offense. I think he is still holding on to the ball a bit long...but throws do look good. I think in the fall Jimmy pulls away and gets the start, he looks good in the pocket, quick release and every rep looks crisper and more confident.
RB: With Blake and Dreher its thunder and lightening it's going to be smash mouth and wiggle. I can't wait.
WR: Vecchio has the softest hands I've ever seen. He doesn't miss and having a QB that hits him on crossing routes and post routes from the slot will be electric. Williams, Madison and Magee all will have their targets as well. It's not bad and a few freshmen coming in will see a ball or two I think as well
TE: Green is in the system and gets a QB the seam could be fun to watch. Miller likes his QBs to target the TE in the seam.
OL: They got better as the year went on and fought off some injuries as a group as well. It's tough to play injured now do that as freshmen OL. I think you will see the following:
Rene-LT
Mundy-LG OR RG
Eric-C
Fennell-RT or either G position
I think one of the freshmen get a look and depending on which one it is will determine where Fennell goes.
Defense I will take a shot at later.
But Andy looks Healthy. Fenwick looks great. Stanford looks solid again and bigger. Izon looks to locked it up at a DE and the ML look nailed down as well ( some incoming freshmen will get a few snaps here) . I agree that outside Lamica looks ready and in my opinion stronger than Gee. He isn't as athletic but is just a damn good football player...and I like that.
Should have wrote above, very excited to hear what you have to say regarding Jimmy M4. Having a competent QB that get rid of quick will make a world of difference, and will help with some of the growing pains of the OL.
From the outside, I would think Jimmy would be the QB, though I know I might be myself on this, I still hold out hope that Nunez might still be coming.
From the outside, I would think Jimmy would be the QB, though I know I might be myself on this, I still hold out hope that Nunez might still be coming.
We will run with the Horses we got on campus now and committed for the fall, because Nunez walked on to UL-Lafeyette in January.
http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/...uns-add-transfer-punter-quarterback/96785270/
http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/...uns-add-transfer-punter-quarterback/96785270/
- Losing a lot of depth & experience along the OL due to transfers.
- Injuries preventing a true Spring Camp / Game.
- Reports of all-out fights at practices.
- More players recently leaving the team, now on the defensive side.
- And losing 4 members of your coaching staff.
This put the staff in a tough situation. You want to weed out those players that don't want to play for RMU. And sometimes you have to cut the fat and lose some players with talent.
Hopefully this team can come together in August.
From the outside it does seem bad, however I think this will be the best team we have seen under banaszak yet. Yes there was a lot of turnover on the O-line, but let's be honest here, none of them were very good. There was a few that would've never seen a snap in their whole career had they stayed. There have been injuries and I do think there is something that needs to change in order to fix that, but there are always low numbers in spring ball, let's face it, we have 40 or so scholarships to split on this team. This isn't the big 10, acc, big 12, or sec. those teams have 75 scholarships. It's hard to keep walkons on the team especially when they don't play, it's hard to build depth when you don't have the financial capability to do so. A lot of the guys that have left are ones that either aren't playing, or don't see them self finding the field this season or next. AD Coleman said it best, kids nowadays are all brought up being special and being catered too, when that doesn't happen and the real world smacks them in the head in college and they aren't the star anymore or even somebody who can make a difference, they wanna go somewhere that they can actually play. This isn't every case, but it's a majority of them. There's also good reason for some coaching turnover. RMU is a stepping stone for coaches trying to get to the next level. We saw that with coach shep. Coach Myles left to go back home to where he's from in boca. I can't speak for the other ones, but I think we brought in a darn good replacement for Russ. A guy that played in the NFL, played at Pitt, and had a somewhat successful NFL career. There's a lot to be positive about on this team, they return virtually every starter on offense from last season, plus a few that were injured or ineligible. They return virtually everybody on defense with the exception of a couple seniors, along with a couple guys that missed last season with injury. They finally have an offensive line with some stability. All 5 guys are back, and we watched the strides hey took last season as they got better. We have 2 quarterbacks competing that we're better than all of the ones that played last season. We had a D1 transfer come in on the DL, an all conference safety back that wasn't able to play last season, and an offensive coordinator finally has a couple guys to use in his system
I agree with everything Ty said and I will say I kind of like the fighting. They've had a few practices since and nothing has come of the brawl from what I read here. It shows me an edge that this team may have lacked. It showed me some young guys that want to own something and have some pride in their craft. Maybe this behavior has been sought after and just recently found. A good Donnybrook with a bunch of type A Football players maybe exactly what the doctor has needed to order. I bet we see a few early in the fall to when the freshmen come and go at it with this up and coming group. As long as it's a good locker room and it cleans up a week or two before Game 1, I think it's good.
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Caught a practice last week. Give two cents.
Tough to go anywhere other than up after last year offensively. The offensive line is still a big concern with most of spring ball only having 4 consistent guys on the field. Unless you are talking about Orlando Pace counting on true freshman to start on the line is never good.
The QB situation has depth and talent FAR beyond last year. Both Jimmy and Matt are what? 21 years old plus? I know Matt essentially grey-shirted and Jimmy has three years elsewhere under his belt. They look to be the front runners then Chase and then Andrew. Think about where we are but the guy who took the majority of our snaps last season is a distant 4th in Spring Ball. And nothing against Andrew, he is a great kid.
Last year with an inexperienced and young offensive line it did not help that backs like Satcher and Wells were 170lbs. Dreher has some special to him and Blake gives us some serious thunder that we have been missing. Ask anyone that has played the game, they will tell you they will take on 170lbs. guys all day, not a ball of muscle like Blake at 215lbs. That gets old come late game. Wanet is a tad undersized at FB (5'9-5'10") but he looks like he is 25lbs. heavier than last year. Looks like he probably has muscles in his stool. Regardless, we could have Tom Brady at QB but if we cannot establish a run game everything else is pretty much out the window. Especially in Miller's pro-style offense. This year should be much improved.
The WR's in my opinion were pretty good last year and they all return. Problem last year was we had zero run game and a young inexperienced line which allowed defenses to pin their ears back and come after us. And Green and Gonzo return at TE.
As others have stated defensively I think we will be better than last season. I always thought we stole Stanford from somewhere. He has the size and talent to play much bigger than RMU but I am glad he is here. Add Fenwick, Pulley, Smith, and Zamiska and we can get creative.
I have a blast watching Adam Wollett play MLB. Undersized to a degree, unassuming, and plays forward. Some guys have the look and struggle to play the part. He plays the part. Add a healthy Masson, The Flyin' Hawaiian, Lamica, and Ferguson looks like could turn the corner and be special.
Smeirga looks like a man amongst boys (6'2 210-215). Excited to see him play. I believe Lisbon up and quit. Is that the DB everyone is talking about? He was not at the practice I was at. He played last year out of necessity. Unsure why he left?
My biggest fear is our schedule. This would be a great year to play Malone and Little Sisters of the Poor the first two weeks. I just would hate to see us get thinned out because of an early meat grinder but it is what it is, we will certainly know what this team is made of come week 5. By the way, I like seeing a scrap here and there. Lets ya know someone cares.
Tough to go anywhere other than up after last year offensively. The offensive line is still a big concern with most of spring ball only having 4 consistent guys on the field. Unless you are talking about Orlando Pace counting on true freshman to start on the line is never good.
The QB situation has depth and talent FAR beyond last year. Both Jimmy and Matt are what? 21 years old plus? I know Matt essentially grey-shirted and Jimmy has three years elsewhere under his belt. They look to be the front runners then Chase and then Andrew. Think about where we are but the guy who took the majority of our snaps last season is a distant 4th in Spring Ball. And nothing against Andrew, he is a great kid.
Last year with an inexperienced and young offensive line it did not help that backs like Satcher and Wells were 170lbs. Dreher has some special to him and Blake gives us some serious thunder that we have been missing. Ask anyone that has played the game, they will tell you they will take on 170lbs. guys all day, not a ball of muscle like Blake at 215lbs. That gets old come late game. Wanet is a tad undersized at FB (5'9-5'10") but he looks like he is 25lbs. heavier than last year. Looks like he probably has muscles in his stool. Regardless, we could have Tom Brady at QB but if we cannot establish a run game everything else is pretty much out the window. Especially in Miller's pro-style offense. This year should be much improved.
The WR's in my opinion were pretty good last year and they all return. Problem last year was we had zero run game and a young inexperienced line which allowed defenses to pin their ears back and come after us. And Green and Gonzo return at TE.
As others have stated defensively I think we will be better than last season. I always thought we stole Stanford from somewhere. He has the size and talent to play much bigger than RMU but I am glad he is here. Add Fenwick, Pulley, Smith, and Zamiska and we can get creative.
I have a blast watching Adam Wollett play MLB. Undersized to a degree, unassuming, and plays forward. Some guys have the look and struggle to play the part. He plays the part. Add a healthy Masson, The Flyin' Hawaiian, Lamica, and Ferguson looks like could turn the corner and be special.
Smeirga looks like a man amongst boys (6'2 210-215). Excited to see him play. I believe Lisbon up and quit. Is that the DB everyone is talking about? He was not at the practice I was at. He played last year out of necessity. Unsure why he left?
My biggest fear is our schedule. This would be a great year to play Malone and Little Sisters of the Poor the first two weeks. I just would hate to see us get thinned out because of an early meat grinder but it is what it is, we will certainly know what this team is made of come week 5. By the way, I like seeing a scrap here and there. Lets ya know someone cares.
Just had an itch huh? I wish him well.
Smeirga, Richards, Stott, Neal stuck out to me. Tough for me to know who everyone is from top corner stands so maybe I was wrong. I base a lot off of last year's roster to this years practice jerseys which are not always a match.
Lisbon is gone along with Roger Richardson and Anthony Pompey im pretty sure. We do have a couple freshman coming in at DB along with tevaul brown atill here and heavon price. Andy does look like a man among boys, he's gonna be just as important on punt return as he is at safety. He can break it anytime he touches the ball
I was also very impressed by both of those guys, I think both had talent to go play somewhere at a little higher level than rmu but when you get a few guys like that it starts to move your program forward. Guys like stojkovic, branch, Stanford, they all could've played somewhere better but opted to play at rmu
Been while since we have heard any updates. If anyone has seen anything or whatever, would love to hear. Really appreciate the updates!
I've been doing some digging, and I'm thinking there's a couple recruits we may have missed.
Tyler knight from valley forge prep
6'4" 325 lb offensive lineman
Ethan gannuch from Huntsville, Alabama
Offensive lineman
Jonkai brown from Virginia
Lineman, not sure which side of the ball
Tyler knight from valley forge prep
6'4" 325 lb offensive lineman
Ethan gannuch from Huntsville, Alabama
Offensive lineman
Jonkai brown from Virginia
Lineman, not sure which side of the ball
