The 5 day acclimation period is over. The practice schedule this week will allow for three days of full pads and full contact and three days of helmets and shoulder pads. Only one day a week off right now. The kids who “LOVE” football will rise to the top.
Let’s put this one to rest right now. This is Speight’s job to lose. He has been taking the majority of the snaps with the one’s. Peters has the most talent as a backup, but he has done nothing to separate himself from John O’Korn. Oh, and Malzone, he’s nowhere near getting a live rep for a game.
The fun starts at WR and RB. Bigger, faster, and more athletic across the board. The WR positions along with the slot will not be decided until about 10 days away from the Florida game. There is simply that much competition taking place. At RB, Higdon could earn the starting role. Evans needs to have a great fall camp to hold on to the top spot. Isaac is much improved physically and mentally! Walker is slipping. FB is locked up. TE’s are in a battle. It’s kind of a unique group behind Bunting. They are all so different in style and ability.
There are going to be some heated battles taking place on the right side of the OL. From Center, to RG, to RT. Kugler has a solid hold on the Center spot right now. The other two are truly an open competition.
The 4 WR sets and quick passing game has begun. They worked on that all summer in 7-on-7’s. They are working on Speight’s mechanics and he can deliver the short ball with good footwork, accuracy, and zip. He needs a lot of work on the long ball. He has some bad habits that most of you witnessed last year.
As for the defense, the DL is rock solid. Some Freshman will make some noise. Kemp has come into his own. He will be a significant contributor. The LB corps is better than last year. Too many athletes there now and so much better in space. The closing speed and coverage is much improved. They get to the ball in a hurry! Hudson is special!
The CB position will settle out this week with the pads on. The players at these positions already know that they had better not be taking plays off or missing practice for minor nicks and bruises. This might be the most hotly contested position group heading in to week 2. The safety position is all but locked up. It’s a matter of who plays behind Metellus and Kinnel. However, Woods is the exception. He will play. The kicking game is in great hands. They are off to a very solid start. The only real battle here is at Punter, (for now) and who will be the KR/PR’s.
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