mat1992 2,237 Report post Posted April 13 Another lousy Saturday. Very windy though not quite as bad as Friday. Pretty good crowd for the lower practice field (around 300?). Small bleachers and not a lot of room to watch. Good to see some former players back like Brady Smith, Ryan Rutkowski, watching his brother Evan and more. No stats, but I'm going to mention a few players and plays I was impressed with. *One of the earliest TDs came on a double-reverse where DK James passed the ball to Carlos Davis for around a 20-yard TD. It showed the potential they have with Davis. but for those who have not been to a spring practice or summer practice, quarterbacks are down when they are touched, not tackled. So they are limited what they can do and probably don't want to show everything in terms of RPO. He didn run a few times to get the first down on scrambles, but I like the fact that Davis, in the last two scrimmages I watched, played with the first team. Davis has all the physical attributes (6-2, 230), a cannon arm and is a strong runner. He was a little erratic on some short throws today, but I love the fact that they are throwing short to guys that can make people miss: Watkins, DK James and even Carter Runyan, who if he continues to progress, will be an All-American. Scouts will come to the U next season because he's 6-6, 250 and can run. Last spring, Watkins was nearly an afterthought. He might have the fourth-string running back. Now, he's running with the one's along with Devin Matthews. If they can get Watkins in space and at least use him as a third-down back, he'll be exciting. *I like seeing Ike Daniels, the Syracuse transfer at running back. But he was running with the twos and that meant a bit shaky offensive line. If I had concerns about the line, it was the run-blocking on short-yardage. OT/G Flo Staehler left the scrimmage with an injury and not sure how serious it was as he had to be carted back to the locker room. Another reason to get more depth there, though I think if Jean Germain (6-6, 350) is healthy in the summer, they have him or a much-improved Joden Nelson at right guard and true sophomore KJ Brooks at right tackle. Center Ralph Paige and LT Dan Volpe are returning all-conference players and they add LG Ibrahim Giwa (6-, 290) from Marist. He's the likely starter there, but still concerned with depth. I like the improvement Jaelin Montgomery (6-3, 310) has made at guard. He's a transfer from JMU who did not play last season. But the key will get getting Germain back and hopefully Staehler is not injured seriously. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mat1992 2,237 Report post Posted April 13 Ok, to add to this since my Google Chrome is acting up. *Quarterbacks are IMO, Carlos Davis, N. Kent, S. Brown, S Smith (didn't see him today), freshman Winston Watkins (should redshirt but very talented), Jack Pellicciotti. *On defense, I still think we need a taller lineman. R.J. Evans (6-1, 285) was injured last season and was a transfer from Ark-Pine Bluff. He should be a factor inside with Dion Crews-Harris (6-0, 290), but Evans is probably more like 5-11. Rion Roseborough (6-2, 315) is a powerful r-freshman who will get a lot of playing time. Ernie Smith (6-2, 290) could start in that spot that Jesus Gibbs played last season. I think we'll be fine there since they like to rotate, but one more difference-maker is needed and I know we're after one in the portal. *Linebackers are better even though they had to replace Mason Woods and Jakari Patterson, who both went into the portal. John Gioia (6-1, 230) from Wagner, has been the steadiest guy in the middle in camp. He does come out during passing situations or at least, that's how they were using him as a two-down player (today). Evan Rutkowski with a Rodney Roane and Daniel Raymond out with various injuries, got a lot of time and looked good. Branson Peters (6-1, 215) is the guy I think has the most upside because he was all over the field and has speed. Also liked Will Middleton (5-11, 215), who has experience at St. Francis (PA). Not concerned about LBs or DL because I know they'll be solid and will add at least one transfer. We do need a star or to develop one. *Secondary will be interesting and in other words, it's all up in the air. I think Shafeek Smith starts at one of the corner spots based on experience. The guy who really stood out was Myles Brodie (6-2, 175), a lanky corner from Alvernia, who played some last season. Justin Toler (5-10, 175) also got some reps at corner in the first string, but I would prefer not have two 5-10 corners. That's where a transfer and a ton of freshmen are in the mix. Zakaa Brown (6-1, 165) has been the best of a talented group along with Jason Shiggs (6-1, 170), who is more of a safety. Both need to hit the weight room over the summer. Mike Swain (5-10, 180) is another shorter DB, a transfer from Campbell, who they can use at corner, nickel or safety. I like Kaden White (6-1, 190), a Butler CC transfer at safety along with returner Xavier Terry (5-10, 190). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mat1992 2,237 Report post Posted April 13 A few things I forgot to add: Watkins and Runyan almost scored on a screen pass from Davis from around 60 yards. Both different type of runners but also shows where the secondary needs to wrap up better. Comments from Pete Shinnick after the Spring Game “Day-to-day competition. Like how we’ve progressed on both sides of the ball. Understanding more of what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. Back and forth spring.” On players “I’m really excited about a lot of guys. All of the guys that we brought in have improved. We challenged all the returners to step their game up. I’m excited about where we are as a whole.” On second year “More established. Guys understand what we’re trying to do. The purpose behind it. A greater grasp of all our programs. I’m excited to turn it over to our strength coach to have a great fall.” On spring “Feel good about the number of reps and looks for our guys. Great idea as to what guys need to do and how they need to do it. We’ve had every condition known to mankind (wind).” On QB1 “Too soon. Carlos took a lot of the ones reps. When we started Spring Ball, Nate was taking a lot of the ones. I think this is a competition that will continue. You saw a little bit of what Carlos can do. How he extends the play and how he can get out of the pocket when things break down. Both guys need to have a great summer. Nothing is solidified. Carlos need a complete command of the offense, understanding everything, ,all the calls, checks, everything we do it. “ Carter Runyon “He’s gained some weight, stronger and continues to get better.” On defense “We have great competition in our secondary. We have a bunch of LBs flying around. You’ve seen more athleticism and it’s a plus. Rodney Roane has been out, but we’re getting him back. No major injuries and everyone (who is out), should be back. Nothing permanent.” On what work on over the summer “We just have to get better and more consistent. We had a couple of false starts and offsides. Had little things when they continue, they add up. We have to do everything to win the field position battle.” On transfers “Understanding scheme. We brought in 3 LBs, 3 DBs. Those six guys really had a learning curve. We brought in an OL. Everything is called differently. A freshman QB. From Day 1 to now, they have improved tremendously.” 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mat1992 2,237 Report post Posted April 16 Some highlights https://x.com/towson_fb/status/1780014682885034140?s=46&t=nScacl1TWT-KyOwj5stBaw Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sr16 161 Report post Posted April 17 Doxxing myself here to the 10 of us here hahaha. But I started to work with Carlos. I took these shots at the spring game https://www.instagram.com/p/C5y1OOYpZ9D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blounge 521 Report post Posted April 17 https://www.instagram.com/p/C54NnqgrHTz/?igsh=cDJ2dnRmdmxuaWQ2 joe Flacco giving the commencement speech at UDel. Pretty cool. one day Tom Flacco will speak at TU graduation! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
