Here are some of my final thoughts on fall camp:
I think Veal is likely to start the season as the punt returner with an eye towards Smoke taking over those duties as the season progresses.
Smoke is the best ball carrier that Tech has and that’s saying something.
James Jackson is the best “star” LB Tech has had during the Holtz tenure. That includes the likes of Terrell Pinson and CJ Cleveland who were pretty solid players.
There is zero worry about Jackson being locked up with a WR out of the slot. Darryl Lewis may be slightly better, but that’s it as far as LBs or safeties in coverage.
I’ve said it all of fall camp, as good as Amik is, Sneed might be better. These are the two best CBs in Conference USA playing on the same team.
I’ve talked so much about depth all of fall camp. I know it’s hard to realize that true depth when you’re not out at camp to actually see it. But consider this, in recent years Tech has had Grant Childress as a backup for Trent Taylor. Kam McKnight had to back-up Connor Smith as a freshman and play 70 snaps a game when he’d never played the position. Who was behind McKnight? Former QB, Andy McAlindon. DeJuawn Oliver and Marlon Watts started outside at WR a couple of games a season ago. Nothing against those guys, but that’s not happening anymore.
Collin Scott is playing the best football of his career at LB.
Adrian Hardy and Rhashid Bonnette at first team all-conference caliber players.
Many didn’t think Wayne Toussant was a good signing, but there’s strong belief that he and Smoke are going to be two of the most dynamic playmakers that Holtz has ever signed.
Having the ability to blow the top off the defense with Bonnette and Toussant this year is going to help the passing game tremendously. Opponents didn’t have to respect that as much last year with Bonnette fighting injuries.
Overall, the team is in a great spot heading into game week.
Tucker’s hand is going to limit him in passing game if it’s still wrapped up come South AL.
Hale is the kicker.
Harris and Alfred Smith could be the kick returners come Week 1. Teams won’t kick to Smoke by game 5. He’s going to house a couple.
I’m optimistic about the offense. J’Mar was outstanding in the scrimmage today. Three touchdowns in three drives I saw.
I think Kam McKnight is going to surprise some people. He had all three TDs that I saw today.
It appears that Garner has beat out Mason at DT next to Bradford.
I’m concerned about Dancy’s health still. I can’t see him being an every down back.
If Kirkpatrick isn’t ready to go week one, I think we’ll see a rotation of Carpenter and Mote at LG.
Willie Allen isn’t a factor on the OL right now.
Jordan Baldwin is the DB that comes on the field when they go to a 3-man front.
The LB play will be very improved. There is plenty of depth there as well.
This team has the talent to compete every single Saturday. This team has the talent to win a conference championship. It’s a matter of the guys playing up to that talent level and making plays.
I will be providing a Practice Report every Wednesday during the season.
I think Veal is likely to start the season as the punt returner with an eye towards Smoke taking over those duties as the season progresses.
Smoke is the best ball carrier that Tech has and that’s saying something.
James Jackson is the best “star” LB Tech has had during the Holtz tenure. That includes the likes of Terrell Pinson and CJ Cleveland who were pretty solid players.
There is zero worry about Jackson being locked up with a WR out of the slot. Darryl Lewis may be slightly better, but that’s it as far as LBs or safeties in coverage.
I’ve said it all of fall camp, as good as Amik is, Sneed might be better. These are the two best CBs in Conference USA playing on the same team.
I’ve talked so much about depth all of fall camp. I know it’s hard to realize that true depth when you’re not out at camp to actually see it. But consider this, in recent years Tech has had Grant Childress as a backup for Trent Taylor. Kam McKnight had to back-up Connor Smith as a freshman and play 70 snaps a game when he’d never played the position. Who was behind McKnight? Former QB, Andy McAlindon. DeJuawn Oliver and Marlon Watts started outside at WR a couple of games a season ago. Nothing against those guys, but that’s not happening anymore.
Collin Scott is playing the best football of his career at LB.
Adrian Hardy and Rhashid Bonnette at first team all-conference caliber players.
Many didn’t think Wayne Toussant was a good signing, but there’s strong belief that he and Smoke are going to be two of the most dynamic playmakers that Holtz has ever signed.
Having the ability to blow the top off the defense with Bonnette and Toussant this year is going to help the passing game tremendously. Opponents didn’t have to respect that as much last year with Bonnette fighting injuries.
Overall, the team is in a great spot heading into game week.
Tucker’s hand is going to limit him in passing game if it’s still wrapped up come South AL.
Hale is the kicker.
Harris and Alfred Smith could be the kick returners come Week 1. Teams won’t kick to Smoke by game 5. He’s going to house a couple.
I’m optimistic about the offense. J’Mar was outstanding in the scrimmage today. Three touchdowns in three drives I saw.
I think Kam McKnight is going to surprise some people. He had all three TDs that I saw today.
It appears that Garner has beat out Mason at DT next to Bradford.
I’m concerned about Dancy’s health still. I can’t see him being an every down back.
If Kirkpatrick isn’t ready to go week one, I think we’ll see a rotation of Carpenter and Mote at LG.
Willie Allen isn’t a factor on the OL right now.
Jordan Baldwin is the DB that comes on the field when they go to a 3-man front.
The LB play will be very improved. There is plenty of depth there as well.
This team has the talent to compete every single Saturday. This team has the talent to win a conference championship. It’s a matter of the guys playing up to that talent level and making plays.
I will be providing a Practice Report every Wednesday during the season.
