I was at the practice > spring game. Random Thoughts and Such…
Probably one of the more physical, vocal, energetic spring games I've seen. Several running backs were out (see release), not concerned by the running game performance.
Defense. The defensive line did play very well, Cujo and Sochovka played very well. We're going to love the DL coach. Hope was very disruptive, great to see him having fun. The linebacking corps looks very good Gilby, one thing I noticed Gilby is listed (6-2 233) Agbenou is listed (6-2 235) both are big dudes - but - Gilby IMO is a really big dude. I think those two are going to be special. Jalen Miller appears to be a great fit at ILB.
Backfield… Dimarcus Clay played very well, he made a few highlight pass breakups. Concerning the defensive backfield, we have some serious depth. The Dins rotated heavily, Rhodes and Richards saw a bunch of PT often together. Very nice size bump at safety, adding two 6-1 185 safeties. When you add Hugh Ryan 6-1 190 we've got some length.
Offense. I'll start with the O-Line. Appearance-wise the offensive linemen looked very long and in shape - no big bellies out there. It will be curious to see what happens when the 2020 class joins this group. Running game - a lot going on here. If you were at the practice part, we're solid. Tight ends, glad to see Walker looks completely recovered from his knee injury. Ryan. Miller had a big catch for a long TD. CCH made the statement that the receivers have become one of the strengths of this class. The play on the field backed that up, lots of moving parts. Bell played in high gear the whole scrimmage, Bell is a weapon in many ways. I thought Kimmelman had a great game, Furman now has a bigger corps of receivers- Kimmelman 6-2 185, Shiflett 6-2 205, Peterson 6-2 187, Henderson 6-1 200. A nice contrast to the quick guys Bell and Deluca. Incoming signee Kelton Gunn was at the game. When you add Gunn and Hughes joining the receivers in the summer. The Dins suddenly have a budding young dynamic group.
OK, quarterbacks… Grainger and Sisson looked crisp, confident, and especially in Grainger's case played loose and relaxed. Sisson kicked off the first big play with a beautiful pass to Miller for a TD. Then Grainger let it rip on a picture-perfect bomb to Bell. I'd say both played well but I'd give the nod to Grainger. We're in good shape with three very good quarterbacks.
Final note - Saturday was also Junior Day - tons of excited to be there high schoolers and their families. Several highly recruited players were in attendance. If your interested who was there - may I suggest you follow the hashtag #purpledrip21 as well @PaladinFootball lots of photos and such will fill up your twitter stream. I know I shouldn't have to say this - but if you do follow the hashtags and the players, please don't comment. It's ok to like a tweet but I'd refrain from posting a comment.
