Today was hot. Really, really, really hot. I know we live in Florida so this isn't breaking news, and maybe I've gotten a little soft without having to tough it out at hot practices this month, but today was absolutely sweltering. Just miserable to be outside.
To the person who commented on the banners blocking breezes. That's absolutely correct. In years past, the wind would blow right through the old banners. But I noticed that the first day of camp during my photo-taking time that the banners block air circulation.
As I predicted, the open practice would likely be the shortest and least significant of camp. The team practiced in shorts and jerseys (no pads at all) and were only on the field for about an hour. That wasn't surprising. GOL wasn't going to wear out the players before Fan Fest and the big scrimmage the following morning.
Not a whole lot from the observation department with no pads and contact, but I tried to soak in what I could mostly from a depth chart standpoint.
Will Stanback and Dontravious Wilson did not play. As GOL alluded to yesterday, both have been banged up. I have a feeling we'll see a lot of Taj McGowan this fall. C.J. Jones also got carries.
Chester Brown appears to have replaced Chavis Dickey on the first team OL. The other first teamers were Aaron Evans (LT), Tarik Cook (LG), Joey Grant (C), Brown (RG) and Tyler Hudanick (RT). Remember, Wyatt Miller had been RT but is sidelined with a minor injury.
Cedric Thompson wasn't just hyping up WR Chris Johnson because they're roommates. He lined up with the first team. And in talking to those around the program, Johnson has has a phenomenal camp, shooting up the depth chart. Looks like he may have a top spot, joining Tre'Quan Smith, Jordan Akins, Nick Patti and Tristan Payton.
On defense, the first team LBs were Domenic Spencer, Mark Rucker and Chequan Burkett. DL was the same: Jamiyus Pittman and Lance McDowdell inside, Luke Adams and Thomas Niles outside.
From everything I've heard, Jordan Franks and Drico Johnson had been the first team safeties the entire camp, but today it was Drico and #48 Jerod Boykins, a walk-on newcomer from JUCO. That may or may not reflect a depth chart change as I've heard they've moved around guys a lot (though mostly at LB). The first team corners were Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings.
The second team OL (I think) was Luke Palmer (LT), Colby Watson (LG), Jason Rae (C), Chavis Dickey (RG) and Micah Anderson (RT). I think that was the correct position for each - I memorized that one and didn't write it down.
Second team DL was as Zo stated the other day - Monte Taylor, Titus Davis at DE, Joey Connors and Tony Guerad at DT.
Second team LBs were Demeitre Brim, Maurice Russell and Errol Clarke.
Second team safeties were Shaquem Griffin and T.J. Mutcherson. Corners were Kyle Gibson and Jeremy Boykins, JUCO walk-on and brother of Jarod.
When they lined up for punt, Blake Tiralosi appeared to be the No. 1 PR.
Kickers looked good.
As for Fan Fest, at least it was in the shade but everyone was sweating buckets. Off the top of my head, and I'm sure there were more, but Nick Patti, Kyle Coltrain, Tristan Payton, C.J. Jones, Taj McGowan, Joey Grant, Wyatt Miller, Chester Brown, Lance McDowdell and A.J. Wooten were a few of the guys who were outgoing in engaging with kids.
To the person who commented on the banners blocking breezes. That's absolutely correct. In years past, the wind would blow right through the old banners. But I noticed that the first day of camp during my photo-taking time that the banners block air circulation.
As I predicted, the open practice would likely be the shortest and least significant of camp. The team practiced in shorts and jerseys (no pads at all) and were only on the field for about an hour. That wasn't surprising. GOL wasn't going to wear out the players before Fan Fest and the big scrimmage the following morning.
Not a whole lot from the observation department with no pads and contact, but I tried to soak in what I could mostly from a depth chart standpoint.
Will Stanback and Dontravious Wilson did not play. As GOL alluded to yesterday, both have been banged up. I have a feeling we'll see a lot of Taj McGowan this fall. C.J. Jones also got carries.
Chester Brown appears to have replaced Chavis Dickey on the first team OL. The other first teamers were Aaron Evans (LT), Tarik Cook (LG), Joey Grant (C), Brown (RG) and Tyler Hudanick (RT). Remember, Wyatt Miller had been RT but is sidelined with a minor injury.
Cedric Thompson wasn't just hyping up WR Chris Johnson because they're roommates. He lined up with the first team. And in talking to those around the program, Johnson has has a phenomenal camp, shooting up the depth chart. Looks like he may have a top spot, joining Tre'Quan Smith, Jordan Akins, Nick Patti and Tristan Payton.
On defense, the first team LBs were Domenic Spencer, Mark Rucker and Chequan Burkett. DL was the same: Jamiyus Pittman and Lance McDowdell inside, Luke Adams and Thomas Niles outside.
From everything I've heard, Jordan Franks and Drico Johnson had been the first team safeties the entire camp, but today it was Drico and #48 Jerod Boykins, a walk-on newcomer from JUCO. That may or may not reflect a depth chart change as I've heard they've moved around guys a lot (though mostly at LB). The first team corners were Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings.
The second team OL (I think) was Luke Palmer (LT), Colby Watson (LG), Jason Rae (C), Chavis Dickey (RG) and Micah Anderson (RT). I think that was the correct position for each - I memorized that one and didn't write it down.
Second team DL was as Zo stated the other day - Monte Taylor, Titus Davis at DE, Joey Connors and Tony Guerad at DT.
Second team LBs were Demeitre Brim, Maurice Russell and Errol Clarke.
Second team safeties were Shaquem Griffin and T.J. Mutcherson. Corners were Kyle Gibson and Jeremy Boykins, JUCO walk-on and brother of Jarod.
When they lined up for punt, Blake Tiralosi appeared to be the No. 1 PR.
Kickers looked good.
As for Fan Fest, at least it was in the shade but everyone was sweating buckets. Off the top of my head, and I'm sure there were more, but Nick Patti, Kyle Coltrain, Tristan Payton, C.J. Jones, Taj McGowan, Joey Grant, Wyatt Miller, Chester Brown, Lance McDowdell and A.J. Wooten were a few of the guys who were outgoing in engaging with kids.
