It continues to amaze me that we were rocked with player graduation/departures at RB and LB and I think we're stronger than we were last year at both positions.
I haven't given LB'er Kelly-Martin his due so let me take care of that right now. I could tell that he was definitely one of our more athletic LB'ers but up until now I hadn't seen his productivity match his potential. It did this afternoon. Kelly-Martin was one of several Redbird defenders that were just too fast for the Redbird offense and KM came across the line and busted up plays before they could develop.
Robinson had the best run for a deep RB group. We've got to take Kielbasa seriously too. He continues to impress. He's a beast that can really move the pile and when he gets an open lane he isn't slow.
We need great depth at RB, We've got it.
Overall the defense continues to outplay the offense. The scrimmage was even designed to help get points on the board. Instead of 1's on 1's the #1 offense went against the #2 defense and a touch tackle on Jake was ignored so a pass completion could stand.
I wouldn't give the offense extra help. They can grow up on their own. Our talented offensive backfield should erupt against Butler and we'll build from there.
There's a silver lining to the ferocious pass rush our QB's have faced this August. They've all been forced to find their target and release the ball quickly. If they can make the pressured throws then the full pocket protected passes will be easy. I think Jake is definitely better than last year but with 4 new starters on the O-Line his stats may not improve. I know Fourth will be pleased that TE Petkovich has followed up a strong spring with a strong August. The TE position may be back in play.
New names? I like the rookie QB Hatfield - a lot. He throws crisp and accurate passes with a quick release. He looks surprisingly comfortable for a true frosh and I see why they thought he was a potential safety. He's fast. He didn't get to show his full speed on his QB keeper TD run but he made a nice move to finish it. Size may have been the only thing keeping him from getting a P5 offer. He doesn't look real big. 6'2 may be generous but like Jake he'll fill out his frame over time and get stronger. Great get.
#BeatButler
I haven't given LB'er Kelly-Martin his due so let me take care of that right now. I could tell that he was definitely one of our more athletic LB'ers but up until now I hadn't seen his productivity match his potential. It did this afternoon. Kelly-Martin was one of several Redbird defenders that were just too fast for the Redbird offense and KM came across the line and busted up plays before they could develop.
Robinson had the best run for a deep RB group. We've got to take Kielbasa seriously too. He continues to impress. He's a beast that can really move the pile and when he gets an open lane he isn't slow.
We need great depth at RB, We've got it.
Overall the defense continues to outplay the offense. The scrimmage was even designed to help get points on the board. Instead of 1's on 1's the #1 offense went against the #2 defense and a touch tackle on Jake was ignored so a pass completion could stand.
I wouldn't give the offense extra help. They can grow up on their own. Our talented offensive backfield should erupt against Butler and we'll build from there.
There's a silver lining to the ferocious pass rush our QB's have faced this August. They've all been forced to find their target and release the ball quickly. If they can make the pressured throws then the full pocket protected passes will be easy. I think Jake is definitely better than last year but with 4 new starters on the O-Line his stats may not improve. I know Fourth will be pleased that TE Petkovich has followed up a strong spring with a strong August. The TE position may be back in play.
New names? I like the rookie QB Hatfield - a lot. He throws crisp and accurate passes with a quick release. He looks surprisingly comfortable for a true frosh and I see why they thought he was a potential safety. He's fast. He didn't get to show his full speed on his QB keeper TD run but he made a nice move to finish it. Size may have been the only thing keeping him from getting a P5 offer. He doesn't look real big. 6'2 may be generous but like Jake he'll fill out his frame over time and get stronger. Great get.
#BeatButler