The Good, The Bad, The ugly:
1. The Good is we have alot of talent on this team and they seem to be working it out.
2. The Bad is that we have alot of hard work in front of us and have to iron out the QB position and CB position.
3. The Ugly is that I looked across the field and it hasn't occured to me that we have a legit leader at this point. Last year Strief, Basenez, Cofield were vocal leaders. Didn't see at least any vocal leaders today. We will need some leadership to step forward. Leadership is crucial in getting that TD when you need it or that tackle when you need it. Not worried, it's early and someone[s] will step up in that role.
QB: OK, I heard all the reports, etc. Now I seen with my own eyes. QB's were always in the shot gun this evening.
CJ was practicing and actually looked the most confident and the best poise in the 7 on 7's, especially down around the goal line. I think the 7 on 7's is in CJ's element where he can just stand back there and throw it. I would have to say, based on what I saw today that CJ was the most consistent QB and is the definate number 1 QB right now. CJ isn't my favorite but I have to be honest and give CJ credit. Oh yeah, he's definately number 1 if the season started today.
CJ's highlights: A throw to Jones against Peterman that went for an apparent TD in the 7 on 7's inside the 15 yard line. Another nice pass hitting Herbert when Herbert broke from inside out, it appeared to be another TD from about the 15 in the scrimmage. His nicest pass was to Jones again for a TD in the corner during the scrimmage. He did have some bonehead throws but not many. One risky pass in the endzone for sure. Downside, I'm not convinced of his running and how he will be with pressure but he seemed to work it out today.
Kafka displayed a surprisingly quick running style for a player his size. Kinda like a quicker version of Navare from Michigan. Doesn't look as raw as he did last year. Both him and CJ seemed to get the most work outside the 20 yard line and IMO it appeared that the QB race breaks down CJ then Kafka then Brewer just by who was playing when and where. Might not mean a thing but dunno.
Kafka did hang a floater and wounded duck up that #47 intercepted with no problem. Wasn't as consistent as CJ on his throws but he does seem to grasp the offense tons better than last time I saw him.
Brewer Brewer Brewer This dude is another version of Vince Young. I'm not sure if he's in his element in 7 on 7's. It appeared to me that he was better in 'live' action and taking the ball upfield. He's freakn huge and quick for a QB. He got more action than the other QB's when the ball was placed around the 10 in the scrimmage. He was also the most inconsistent QB this evening. He seemed hesitant on one pass that looked as if to shot put out of his hands and it dropped right to Cole who would have taken it to the house if it were a real game.
Missed several others. BUT he also threw the nicest 2 of 3 passes of the evening [other one belonging to CJ]. He hit a wr about 20 yards downfield with a nice touch, and also threw the nicest pass of the day on an out and up to TJ Jones who didn't make the catch. He also had a problem on a snap that bounced through his hands.
At any rate, two things are apparent to me regarding Brewer.
1. He can play RB, WR, QB, LB, Safety, etc.
2. His talent is complete and IMO I honestly don't think he moves. He is just way too talented to move from QB....he got to have the ball in his hands...he's the best running QB I think we ever had by far. Right now though I say he is behind both CJ and Kafka and I wouldn't be at all surprised if we rotate QB's next year. This may be one year in which it makes 'good sense.' Just way way way too much potential in Brewer to swtich him. In the end, the other QB's made more consistent plays but make no mistake, Brewer is the one QB on our team that can change a game once he works it out for himself and fits more comfortable in the offense.
RB: We used our primary offense of a year ago but we did display a few different sets. Jordan and Conteh were in split back formation from time to time. Also we used an I formation with Cobb as the lead blocker and Abernathy at TE. In the I we passed to Cobb.
Sutton: Was used sparingly but when used it seemed he found a seam and would have been off to the races each time. He provides confidence that we will be in another bowl game next year. This kid also has the All-American personality as he came off the field and politely acknowledged Mrs. Walker.
Jordan: Wow. He is definately our number 2 back. He looks like the incredible Hulk out there and is extemely explosive like a bat out of hell once he gets the ball. He wants to get hit and enjoys contact. It was REALLY good to see him healthy.
Roberson: alright, not as much PT this spring as last with the healthy Jordan back. He's seems to be definately ahead of Conteh though.
Conteh: Dunno man, just looked a bit slow back there. Dunno.
Offensive Line:: Thiry and Keenan aren't playing right now. Thiry is in a red shirt. If I'm being honest then IMO, it looked as if the remaining Offensive Lineman need to get in better shape.
WR:
It was a TJ type of day. There was no doubt in my mind that he was our best Wide receiver today. Looked great, dropped one pass but really looked good in the corner of the endzone. He may be a huge surprise for us this year but he is going to have to work it out in game time. Last year he looked good also but in game time it just didn't happen for him. Maybe this is the year when he works it out on the game field and not just the practice field.
Thompson Really great to have a healthy Thompson for spring ball. Last year he was injured and missed crucial practice time when he sat out the entire spring. It's going to be hard to stop him in the corner of the endzone. Had a decent practice but missed a block on Cole on a screen pass that Cole made a great hit on.
Cheatham: Not his best practice I'm sure. It's his time to step it up. We could really use him in the open field.
Herbert: Good practice
Defense
Basically I wanted to see how Peterman looked at corner. They gave him a huge amount of playing time and he seemed to work it out ok. I think he will end up starting because he seems to want it more than the others.. Does he have alot to learn? Yes Do we have any other corners stepping up other than Cole? NO. It's flat out wide open.
FWIW: Ryan Black was not listed on the roster but he was very active today if he was in fact the guy in the #35 jersey. It will be interesting to see how he comes along as I thought he had a very good game against UCLA.
Butler: Dunno, needs to step it up IMO. Was spent by TJ Jones on one play that had Coach Jerry Brown telling Butler to stay out until he's ready to come back in.
Dious: So so today.
Backers: Dinard played the middle for the most part. Both Eaton and Kadela were in orange jerseys. Simpson also were orange. Dinard looked a bit small but they got him listed at 235. I think once everyone is healthy that the rotation of Dinard, Kadela, Roach, Simpson, Eaton will give us 5 backers that are solid.
Jeske: Suited up in orange but kept out of contact.
R Johnson: Much talent just haven't seen anything to mention out of him. Needs to step it up otherwise newbies move ahead of him.
Arrignton: Seemed to twist an ankle and got hurt. Walked off the field but was done for the day.
DL: Wooton dressed and wasn't in orange but he was held out of scrimmage and contact. We ran a defensvie play in the nickel where we had 2 DL, 2 backers, and Mims on the end in a stand up position. Don't know if we will see that in fall, it may have just been a look to throw off our QB. Nothing spectacular with this unit today.
Orange Jerseys: Jeske, McPherson, Simpson, Eaton, Kadela, Kwateng, and an offensive lineman or two that I couldn't get the number of on the other side of the field. It was good to see that we are more healthier this spring than last. Last spring we had half the team out.
Other notables. Mike Boyle was in attendance as was Nate Williams.