Today was a pretty exciting scrimmage. A lot was happening on both sides of the ball. I soaked in the scrimmage as a whole and did not look for certain things as I usually do. So this may be a little bit on the short side.
Defense, yes I watched the defense a little bit more this weekend compared the other Saturday practices. Before I go into today I want to mention that on Thursday, the team spent a little extra time working on Solo/open field tackles(from what I saw, wasn't there long, was windy and cold, today was just perfect weather).
They are looking fast, making quick decisions. They still are getting into the backfield putting pressure on the QB or making a sack. They stopped a lot of plays at the line of scrimmage multiple times today. They are filling the gaps well and giving no room for the RB to run through.
A quick note, T. Littlejohn is doing a great job coaching up the WR's on blocking, because in the open field, the defense cant seem to break blocks or make the open field tackles. They missed a lot. Which I hope they can continue to improve on this. The run D is crucial making open field or solo tackles. This has been the weak spot in years past. The big runs given up were because of this. I am not sure if they are taking bad angles or just getting beat on the block. It may be both or it could be the technique.
The bright spots were the interceptions, sacks and batted down or tipped balls. When the defensive line was not getting through they were getting their hands up. Watching the QB's eyes and making good decisions. Generating turnover opportunities without getting to the QB will be important if they can't consistently get into the backfield.
After reading the Q&A with Clint Barnard that was on lcsun-news.com sports section made me want to look at him some. He plays hard and is all over the field. He stuck to his man on pass plays and gets to the sideline well for his size and speed. His experience as a QB will pay off more and more as he develops into a D1 LB.
He definitely is out to make something of himself.
Offensively, it was just as exciting as the defense was. They did great and then not so great.
The quarterbacks are still battling it out.
All 3 are still making some inaccurate passes to wide open receivers.
Getting right into it, Andrew Manley is still struggling with accuracy on quick
passes and his throws to the sideline. He does have the leadership ability that the other QB's do not have. He can make something happen when it needs to. During the 2 minute drills he did get the ball down field. He carried the team on his shoulders in crunch time.
Andrew McDonald is still improving but did not have a practice like last Saturday. He made some good passes to the sideline and throws well on the run. Probably the better passer on the run compared to the others. He moves his hips and feet well when in the pocket, squaring up when passing.
Colwell is the better runner and continues to make good reads on the option run. He is most accurate when throwing off his back foot but still needs work throwing on the run. Which will be important in this type of offense. He has the ability to avoid sacks and get out of the pocket when needed.
So no matter who ends up as the starting QB, you will see Travaughn Colwell on the field.
King Davis III looked a bit rough during the scrimmage. In his rep he did not really do much. He had trouble getting the ball off into the RB's hand and looked a bit frustrated after a few plays. But he will continue to improve over time.
Germi Morrison and Brandon Betancourt are looking great. They will make a huge impact in the offense in the fall if they continue to improve. Betancourt is improving quickly and is very jetty and can make someone miss with a slight cut. Morrison is still our power back and can get through the initial contact and get extra yards. Xavier Hall made a few good plays and had a good run, making a defender miss with a juke.
Wide receivers are still doing good. They had some dropped balls that should have been caught. They are getting open and making good open field blocks.
Offensive line looks to be improving, they did not look as tired. Miller's coaching is already making an impact. Technique is better and footwork is getting better. They did not get beat on the edges as much as before but that could also be that the D mostly blitzed inside gaps.
Over all, everything is looking better. The coaches get on them good when they mess up and they are learning. I just hope LC comes out for the spring game next week.
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