I wanted to share some of my thoughts after the first five days of fall camp.
- The QB race is TIGHT. Kendall & Head are doing some good things. Kendall is further along in the offense than I thought he'd be. Head has an IT Factor to his game. I don't think Aaron Allen has played bad, but he hasn't had any "wow" plays either.
- The depth at RB is STUPID. Call me crazy, but I think there are four guys (Williams, Henry-Brooks, Dominique, and Dixon) that could rush for 1,000 yards in a season in their career.
- At WR, Smoke and Hebert have been really consistent as older guys. Johnson was at his best on Tuesday, had a big day. Graham is settling down, he seemed to be pressing the first few days. The Bastrop HS product has made some tough contested catches recently. Emilus has been the surprise, he's going to earn some time. Strong hands. Means has the talent, it flashes, but he's young. Ivan Thomas had the one big day, but he's still a work in progress.
- On the OL, Guge is getting this group ready. The battle at LT between Rossell & White is truly up for grabs. I think Mote, Delfin, and Hollins are pretty set at LG, C, RG. Fournier and Williams battling at RT, I really like Williams in a versatile role as a 6th OL type. The last 2, maybe 3 days Carson Bruno has impressed me. He might be a guy that pushes for the 8th, 9th, or 10th spot and sees some snaps. He's really benefitting from having been here for the spring.
- On the DL, I've mentioned it a 100 times but Levi Bell is going to be a problem in my opinion. His quickness is what plays up in a DL role. Kendzior and Baker have been the best pass rushers. I need more from Deshon Hall. Slow start for him. At DT, who slots in behind Bell & Rose? That's what I'll be watching the next couple of weeks.
- Not a lot to say about the LBs. Baldwin, Grubbs, Fulp, and Carabin, pick a name out of a hat and any two of them could start at ILB. Grubbs has improved in coverage, Fulp is so physical in run game. Barnett has been consistent at OLB/Nickel, nothing too special though. I like Joren Dickey out there, he's got good athleticism.
- At CB, Buchanan, Woods, Hamilton, and Hannibal are the top 4. Hamilton is the guy with 2s that could push Woods for the starting spot opposite Buchanan. Either way, he'll play a bunch.
- At S, Williamson and Cole are running with the 1s. Williamson has been really good in coverage. Cole looks quicker/faster, but I still want to see a playmaking aspect to his game. Backing those two up are two P5 transfers in Khalil Ladler and Myles Mason. If neither guy starts, they'll still get plenty of snaps.
- At K/P, it sounds like Barnes has the lead for kicking job, Barajas likely for punter & kickoffs. Not a huge surprise, but it's a tight battle across the board. I doubt you'll see/hear of anything decided on these spots until end of camp.
I'll answer any questions.
- The QB race is TIGHT. Kendall & Head are doing some good things. Kendall is further along in the offense than I thought he'd be. Head has an IT Factor to his game. I don't think Aaron Allen has played bad, but he hasn't had any "wow" plays either.
- The depth at RB is STUPID. Call me crazy, but I think there are four guys (Williams, Henry-Brooks, Dominique, and Dixon) that could rush for 1,000 yards in a season in their career.
- At WR, Smoke and Hebert have been really consistent as older guys. Johnson was at his best on Tuesday, had a big day. Graham is settling down, he seemed to be pressing the first few days. The Bastrop HS product has made some tough contested catches recently. Emilus has been the surprise, he's going to earn some time. Strong hands. Means has the talent, it flashes, but he's young. Ivan Thomas had the one big day, but he's still a work in progress.
- On the OL, Guge is getting this group ready. The battle at LT between Rossell & White is truly up for grabs. I think Mote, Delfin, and Hollins are pretty set at LG, C, RG. Fournier and Williams battling at RT, I really like Williams in a versatile role as a 6th OL type. The last 2, maybe 3 days Carson Bruno has impressed me. He might be a guy that pushes for the 8th, 9th, or 10th spot and sees some snaps. He's really benefitting from having been here for the spring.
- On the DL, I've mentioned it a 100 times but Levi Bell is going to be a problem in my opinion. His quickness is what plays up in a DL role. Kendzior and Baker have been the best pass rushers. I need more from Deshon Hall. Slow start for him. At DT, who slots in behind Bell & Rose? That's what I'll be watching the next couple of weeks.
- Not a lot to say about the LBs. Baldwin, Grubbs, Fulp, and Carabin, pick a name out of a hat and any two of them could start at ILB. Grubbs has improved in coverage, Fulp is so physical in run game. Barnett has been consistent at OLB/Nickel, nothing too special though. I like Joren Dickey out there, he's got good athleticism.
- At CB, Buchanan, Woods, Hamilton, and Hannibal are the top 4. Hamilton is the guy with 2s that could push Woods for the starting spot opposite Buchanan. Either way, he'll play a bunch.
- At S, Williamson and Cole are running with the 1s. Williamson has been really good in coverage. Cole looks quicker/faster, but I still want to see a playmaking aspect to his game. Backing those two up are two P5 transfers in Khalil Ladler and Myles Mason. If neither guy starts, they'll still get plenty of snaps.
- At K/P, it sounds like Barnes has the lead for kicking job, Barajas likely for punter & kickoffs. Not a huge surprise, but it's a tight battle across the board. I doubt you'll see/hear of anything decided on these spots until end of camp.
I'll answer any questions.
