Not me obviously
These are some of my observations from watching practice and the two scrimmages. I’m bad at predictions, but my best guess is an 8-win type season.
QB- We’re so down on the program that sometimes we forget how ridiculous Brad Kaaya is. He put in a ton of work over the off-season and it shows on the field. His decisions are quicker, his feet are better, and he’s throwing the ball like a first round pick. He made highlight reels out of the two scrimmages. Malik Rosier is a football guy like Kaaya, and his command of the offense has also improved. Accuracy is the question mark with him. His skillset reminds me a bit of Kenny Kelly.
Vincent Testaverde is third string but he’s better than Gray Crow and Preston Dewey. He is capable of some impressive throws. I really like Evan Shireffs. He led touchdown drives in both scrimmages and looks the part physically. He’s big and more athletic than I expected. He ran a 5.02 as a freshman (Kaaya ran 5.46) and shows surprising ability outside the pocket. I think he beats out Rosier next year.
OL- Kehoe has this group much improved from the spring, but there are still question marks. The first four guys appear pretty locked in. Trevor Darling beat Kc McDermott out for the LT job and looks leaner. Alex Gall is serviceable at LG but probably not much more than that. I still think McDermott should have that spot. Nick Linder and Danny Isidora are rocks at C and RG.
The intrigue is at RT. Sonny Odogwu looks like a new man on Greentree. He’s moving with confidence and erases a lot of mistakes with his long arms. Maybe the light just turned on? We’ll find out against Nebraska. Joe Brown has gotten a surprising amount of reps with the first team. He’s good in the run game but is still a little slow-footed in the passing game.
Ty Gauthier is not the most athletic or flexible guy but he’s powerful. He’s the only freshman who moves people. Tyree St. Louis has gotten reps at both tackle spots. He’ll dominate for one rep and then get walked back on the next rep. Inconsistent but very, very talented. Hunter Knighton and Tyler Grimsley have really struggled to block the big nose tackles. Bar Milo is not physically ready to play but looks like the most promising of the redshirted linemen. He is playing mostly tackle and some guard. Hayden Mahoney also moves pretty well and shows flashes. Brendan Loftus is huge and won some reps but really needs to improve his feet. Jahair Jones played inside and outside and struggled mightily.
RB- Nobody really separated themselves, including Gus. Joe Yearby was the star of the second scrimmage and is carrying the extra weight well. He was never a gamebreaker, so the additional power suits his running style. Mark Walton is a smart, instinctual player like Yearby. He’s solid in all aspects but really excels as a pass receiver. Ice Harris loves him and I suspect he will ultimately be The Guy. Trayone Gray is the best athlete and has made the best runs. However, he’s competing with two lifelong running backs who play with more consistent leverage and vision. This is a good group and all three Dade County studs should play a big role.
WR- Stacy Coley is trying to get paid. Last season scared him straight and he looks like he’s on a mission. He’s gained twenty pounds since his freshman year and appears every bit as dynamic as before. Rashawn Scott has always been one of Kaaya’s favorite targets in practice and brings much-needed size to the quick game. Herb Waters finished camp strong and caught numerous passes in the second scrimmage. Coley, Scott and Waters look like the clear top three guys. Braxton Berrios was in that group before suffering a minor injury. He is back practicing and has become more of a downfield threat. Malcolm Lewis has been steady, not spectacular.
I’m really impressed with Lawrence Cager. He separates easily and explodes in and out of breaks for a 6’5 guy . Cager has made several spectacular one-handed catches, but also had his share of concentration drops. I still expect him to play some kind of role this year. Tyre Brady is one of the most improved players in camp. He gained 15 pounds, shaved .2 off his forty and has caught the ball consistently. That’s a good sign for next year when we lose Scott, Waters and possibly Coley. Darrell Langham is a one-trick pony, but it’s a good trick. Nobody on the team can snatch the ball better. He could be a redzone specialist in the future, but probably will not be in the rotation this year.
TE- Kaaya still loves to throw to the tight ends. Chris Herndon is bigger than you think and provides a Mondriel Fulcher-like receiving option. Standish Dobard has iffy hands and is better in the run game than the pass game. David Njoku is one of the few freaks who would’ve fit in on the Butch teams. He continues to make incredibly athletic plays. The next step for him is becoming an alpha like Shockey and Winslow. He’s not there yet. Jerome Washington has the requisite size and speed but struggles to catch the ball. He seems to have a good attitude, though, and has enough physical talent to carve out a role.
NT- Calvin Heurtelou solidified his spot with a strong camp. He’s gotten a little quicker and is a leader for the group. Kendrick Norton is the most talented NT we’ve had since Wilfork. I thought he would just be a plugger, but he’s explosive and can get off blocks. He made multiple TFLs in both scrimmages. Norton also has a good motor and will run to the football. Michael Wyche did not sustain the momentum he had in spring and is behind Norton. Ryan Fines is a long way away.
DT- Courtel Jenkins lost some weight and shifted to 3-technique, which is a better spot for him IMO. He took the job from Anthony Moten and really showed well in the second scrimmage. Moten has been up and down, just like he was in spring.
DE- I’d be shocked if Chad Thomas doesn’t get his starting spot back. He is by far the quickest defensive lineman and causes havoc on stunts. Ufombu Kamalu will have his biggest role inside on passing downs. RJ McIntosh is extremely talented. Very coordinated with a frame that will blow up. I’d redshirt him, but it looks like he may play on passing downs. Jelani Hamilton is still inconsistent.
Pass Rush- This is a position that concerns me. The pass rush was abysmal last year, and I haven't seen obvious improvement. Trent Harris is a solid, reliable player who lacks big-time twitch. He should see most of his snaps on first and second down. Al-Quadin Muhammad has mostly played with the second team and starts on passing downs (usually flanked by McCord, Chad and Kamalu). He is the most talented rusher along with Chad. Demetrius Johnson has come on strong the last couple weeks with pressure and batted balls. Expect him to play a role. Scott Patchan still looks injured to me and is a likely redshirt.
LB- Dangerously thin group. Jermaine Grace is a star and was all over the field in both scrimmages. Raphael Kirby is unspectacular but reliable inside. Darrion Owens will likely shift inside to MIKE if something happens to Kirby. Tyriq McCord has looked good rushing on third downs but has been nondescript at SAM. Marques Gayot is very good in coverage and made multiple interceptions. Jamie Gordiner moved inside for depth but, like Owens, is probably a better fit at SAM. He has some ability but I wish he was a step faster. Charles Perry and James King are fighting for reps at WILL and I lean towards Perry. King looks like a safety. Both guys are very athletic and can contribute on special teams. Last I heard, Juwon Young was targeting Nebraska for his return. We need him.
S- This position has gone from a weakness to a relative strength. Deon Bush is very good and stands out from his peers. Rayshawn Jenkins looks fast and smooth and has been the second-most impressive safety. Dallas Crawford has gotten starter’s reps but looks like the 5th guy to me. Not enough size or speed. Jaquan Johnson missed the first part of camp and has come back on fire. I was worried how his physical tools would translate to the next level, but he looks explosive and quick. The coaches almost have to hold him back in practice because he’s so overeager and physical.
Jamal Carter plays with good motor and looks improved. His instincts are still a little off, though, and he’s still too high as a tackler. Robert Knowles is behind the rest from a football knowledge standpoint and can really use a redshirt year.
CB- Very good group at the top. Artie Burns started off camp looking like a superstar. He has gotten banged up and slowed down since then, but I expect great things. Corn Elder looks like a solid #2 even though he still needs to add weight. Tracy Howard brings good intelligence and footwork to the group, despite less than ideal size/speed.
Sheldrick Redwine, like Norton, flashes star potential on defense. He’s big, has better feet than I expected, and plays the ball as well as anybody. You can often tell how well-regarded a CB is by who he lines up against in 1-on-1 drills. By the end of camp, Redwine was regularly going against Stacy Coley. Michael Jackson looks promising. He’s not as athletic as Redwine but has size and a good mind for the game. Terrance Henley is still raw and not ready to play in the defense. If he plays, I’d expect it to be on special teams. Ryan Mayes may be out until October.
Overall, the talent is as deep and as well-distributed as any team of the Golden era. But I’ve seen too much dispiriting football to predict we will actually be good. Eight to nine wins seems realistic, assuming Kaaya stays healthy. See you on Saturday.
These are some of my observations from watching practice and the two scrimmages. I’m bad at predictions, but my best guess is an 8-win type season.
QB- We’re so down on the program that sometimes we forget how ridiculous Brad Kaaya is. He put in a ton of work over the off-season and it shows on the field. His decisions are quicker, his feet are better, and he’s throwing the ball like a first round pick. He made highlight reels out of the two scrimmages. Malik Rosier is a football guy like Kaaya, and his command of the offense has also improved. Accuracy is the question mark with him. His skillset reminds me a bit of Kenny Kelly.
Vincent Testaverde is third string but he’s better than Gray Crow and Preston Dewey. He is capable of some impressive throws. I really like Evan Shireffs. He led touchdown drives in both scrimmages and looks the part physically. He’s big and more athletic than I expected. He ran a 5.02 as a freshman (Kaaya ran 5.46) and shows surprising ability outside the pocket. I think he beats out Rosier next year.
OL- Kehoe has this group much improved from the spring, but there are still question marks. The first four guys appear pretty locked in. Trevor Darling beat Kc McDermott out for the LT job and looks leaner. Alex Gall is serviceable at LG but probably not much more than that. I still think McDermott should have that spot. Nick Linder and Danny Isidora are rocks at C and RG.
The intrigue is at RT. Sonny Odogwu looks like a new man on Greentree. He’s moving with confidence and erases a lot of mistakes with his long arms. Maybe the light just turned on? We’ll find out against Nebraska. Joe Brown has gotten a surprising amount of reps with the first team. He’s good in the run game but is still a little slow-footed in the passing game.
Ty Gauthier is not the most athletic or flexible guy but he’s powerful. He’s the only freshman who moves people. Tyree St. Louis has gotten reps at both tackle spots. He’ll dominate for one rep and then get walked back on the next rep. Inconsistent but very, very talented. Hunter Knighton and Tyler Grimsley have really struggled to block the big nose tackles. Bar Milo is not physically ready to play but looks like the most promising of the redshirted linemen. He is playing mostly tackle and some guard. Hayden Mahoney also moves pretty well and shows flashes. Brendan Loftus is huge and won some reps but really needs to improve his feet. Jahair Jones played inside and outside and struggled mightily.
RB- Nobody really separated themselves, including Gus. Joe Yearby was the star of the second scrimmage and is carrying the extra weight well. He was never a gamebreaker, so the additional power suits his running style. Mark Walton is a smart, instinctual player like Yearby. He’s solid in all aspects but really excels as a pass receiver. Ice Harris loves him and I suspect he will ultimately be The Guy. Trayone Gray is the best athlete and has made the best runs. However, he’s competing with two lifelong running backs who play with more consistent leverage and vision. This is a good group and all three Dade County studs should play a big role.
WR- Stacy Coley is trying to get paid. Last season scared him straight and he looks like he’s on a mission. He’s gained twenty pounds since his freshman year and appears every bit as dynamic as before. Rashawn Scott has always been one of Kaaya’s favorite targets in practice and brings much-needed size to the quick game. Herb Waters finished camp strong and caught numerous passes in the second scrimmage. Coley, Scott and Waters look like the clear top three guys. Braxton Berrios was in that group before suffering a minor injury. He is back practicing and has become more of a downfield threat. Malcolm Lewis has been steady, not spectacular.
I’m really impressed with Lawrence Cager. He separates easily and explodes in and out of breaks for a 6’5 guy . Cager has made several spectacular one-handed catches, but also had his share of concentration drops. I still expect him to play some kind of role this year. Tyre Brady is one of the most improved players in camp. He gained 15 pounds, shaved .2 off his forty and has caught the ball consistently. That’s a good sign for next year when we lose Scott, Waters and possibly Coley. Darrell Langham is a one-trick pony, but it’s a good trick. Nobody on the team can snatch the ball better. He could be a redzone specialist in the future, but probably will not be in the rotation this year.
TE- Kaaya still loves to throw to the tight ends. Chris Herndon is bigger than you think and provides a Mondriel Fulcher-like receiving option. Standish Dobard has iffy hands and is better in the run game than the pass game. David Njoku is one of the few freaks who would’ve fit in on the Butch teams. He continues to make incredibly athletic plays. The next step for him is becoming an alpha like Shockey and Winslow. He’s not there yet. Jerome Washington has the requisite size and speed but struggles to catch the ball. He seems to have a good attitude, though, and has enough physical talent to carve out a role.
NT- Calvin Heurtelou solidified his spot with a strong camp. He’s gotten a little quicker and is a leader for the group. Kendrick Norton is the most talented NT we’ve had since Wilfork. I thought he would just be a plugger, but he’s explosive and can get off blocks. He made multiple TFLs in both scrimmages. Norton also has a good motor and will run to the football. Michael Wyche did not sustain the momentum he had in spring and is behind Norton. Ryan Fines is a long way away.
DT- Courtel Jenkins lost some weight and shifted to 3-technique, which is a better spot for him IMO. He took the job from Anthony Moten and really showed well in the second scrimmage. Moten has been up and down, just like he was in spring.
DE- I’d be shocked if Chad Thomas doesn’t get his starting spot back. He is by far the quickest defensive lineman and causes havoc on stunts. Ufombu Kamalu will have his biggest role inside on passing downs. RJ McIntosh is extremely talented. Very coordinated with a frame that will blow up. I’d redshirt him, but it looks like he may play on passing downs. Jelani Hamilton is still inconsistent.
Pass Rush- This is a position that concerns me. The pass rush was abysmal last year, and I haven't seen obvious improvement. Trent Harris is a solid, reliable player who lacks big-time twitch. He should see most of his snaps on first and second down. Al-Quadin Muhammad has mostly played with the second team and starts on passing downs (usually flanked by McCord, Chad and Kamalu). He is the most talented rusher along with Chad. Demetrius Johnson has come on strong the last couple weeks with pressure and batted balls. Expect him to play a role. Scott Patchan still looks injured to me and is a likely redshirt.
LB- Dangerously thin group. Jermaine Grace is a star and was all over the field in both scrimmages. Raphael Kirby is unspectacular but reliable inside. Darrion Owens will likely shift inside to MIKE if something happens to Kirby. Tyriq McCord has looked good rushing on third downs but has been nondescript at SAM. Marques Gayot is very good in coverage and made multiple interceptions. Jamie Gordiner moved inside for depth but, like Owens, is probably a better fit at SAM. He has some ability but I wish he was a step faster. Charles Perry and James King are fighting for reps at WILL and I lean towards Perry. King looks like a safety. Both guys are very athletic and can contribute on special teams. Last I heard, Juwon Young was targeting Nebraska for his return. We need him.
S- This position has gone from a weakness to a relative strength. Deon Bush is very good and stands out from his peers. Rayshawn Jenkins looks fast and smooth and has been the second-most impressive safety. Dallas Crawford has gotten starter’s reps but looks like the 5th guy to me. Not enough size or speed. Jaquan Johnson missed the first part of camp and has come back on fire. I was worried how his physical tools would translate to the next level, but he looks explosive and quick. The coaches almost have to hold him back in practice because he’s so overeager and physical.
Jamal Carter plays with good motor and looks improved. His instincts are still a little off, though, and he’s still too high as a tackler. Robert Knowles is behind the rest from a football knowledge standpoint and can really use a redshirt year.
CB- Very good group at the top. Artie Burns started off camp looking like a superstar. He has gotten banged up and slowed down since then, but I expect great things. Corn Elder looks like a solid #2 even though he still needs to add weight. Tracy Howard brings good intelligence and footwork to the group, despite less than ideal size/speed.
Sheldrick Redwine, like Norton, flashes star potential on defense. He’s big, has better feet than I expected, and plays the ball as well as anybody. You can often tell how well-regarded a CB is by who he lines up against in 1-on-1 drills. By the end of camp, Redwine was regularly going against Stacy Coley. Michael Jackson looks promising. He’s not as athletic as Redwine but has size and a good mind for the game. Terrance Henley is still raw and not ready to play in the defense. If he plays, I’d expect it to be on special teams. Ryan Mayes may be out until October.
Overall, the talent is as deep and as well-distributed as any team of the Golden era. But I’ve seen too much dispiriting football to predict we will actually be good. Eight to nine wins seems realistic, assuming Kaaya stays healthy. See you on Saturday.
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