Finally made it out to spring football practice today! Just some news/observations after watching and talking to players/coaches...
-WR/RB Kyle Buss is back. Last year, he had some sort of ineligibility problem (although I still don't now anyone who 100% understands why). Buss is FAST. At the very least, I could see Buss making some noise as a kick returner and on some of the other facets of special teams (like a gunner on punt team). Still, his speed is very apparent. I'm excited to see the creative ways he gets used.
-RMU had five QB's working through today... Marcus Prather, Derik Abbott, Joe Caroll, Luke Brumbaugh, and Matthew Barr. Barr was a greyshirt this past season, meaning he's now enrolled and can practice with the team. As it stands now, there really isn't a favorite. Prather got the snaps first today, but I think the staff overall wants to just sit and evaluate different guys in different situations. No need to read into who is getting snaps when and where. This battle will be won in August, not April.
-Blake Chambliss got some looks at right guard today. According to offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks, Chambliss was at left tackle the prior five days. It'll be interesting to see how he develops. The offensive line was a weak point last year, and Chambliss might be better suited, just with his size, as a tackle. Is Drew Garbenis ready? Another battle to watch in camp.
-The defense will welcome back cornerback Marcelis Branch, who was suspended from school last year following an off the field incident (the same one that resulted in four basketball players also being suspended). Branch not only brings talent but a physical-ness that every defense could use.
-The defense overall is bringing back a lot of their core from last season. Defensive coordinator Scott Farison said he was encouraged with the way his defensive line is developing, specifically naming Grant Lanza and Colin Giesey.
-An advantage of returning so much of the defense? The communication has been much improved in the early going. More on that to come tomorrow.
-WR/RB Kyle Buss is back. Last year, he had some sort of ineligibility problem (although I still don't now anyone who 100% understands why). Buss is FAST. At the very least, I could see Buss making some noise as a kick returner and on some of the other facets of special teams (like a gunner on punt team). Still, his speed is very apparent. I'm excited to see the creative ways he gets used.
-RMU had five QB's working through today... Marcus Prather, Derik Abbott, Joe Caroll, Luke Brumbaugh, and Matthew Barr. Barr was a greyshirt this past season, meaning he's now enrolled and can practice with the team. As it stands now, there really isn't a favorite. Prather got the snaps first today, but I think the staff overall wants to just sit and evaluate different guys in different situations. No need to read into who is getting snaps when and where. This battle will be won in August, not April.
-Blake Chambliss got some looks at right guard today. According to offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks, Chambliss was at left tackle the prior five days. It'll be interesting to see how he develops. The offensive line was a weak point last year, and Chambliss might be better suited, just with his size, as a tackle. Is Drew Garbenis ready? Another battle to watch in camp.
-The defense will welcome back cornerback Marcelis Branch, who was suspended from school last year following an off the field incident (the same one that resulted in four basketball players also being suspended). Branch not only brings talent but a physical-ness that every defense could use.
-The defense overall is bringing back a lot of their core from last season. Defensive coordinator Scott Farison said he was encouraged with the way his defensive line is developing, specifically naming Grant Lanza and Colin Giesey.
-An advantage of returning so much of the defense? The communication has been much improved in the early going. More on that to come tomorrow.
