Let’s take a Deep Dive!
• The o-line was down in numbers today. G/T Marcus Mbow didn’t practice, and neither did G Zach Richards. T Eric Miller has been out all spring. Knowing all that, here is how the No. 1 line was configured: LT Mahmane Mousa; LG Spencer Holstege; C Gus Hartwig; RG Jared Bycznski; RT Cam Craig. The left side of the No. 2 line featured two walk-on: Aaron Roberts and Ben Kuhns. You get the picture.
• One positive sign for the o-line: G Sione Finau practiced. I hadn’t see the Florida International transfer go through one practice so far this spring as he dealt with injury. He was imported with the idea he could be the No. 1 right guard with Tyler Witt gone. Stay tuned. Finau has work to do.
• The CB unit continued to operate with limited numbers, needing to utilize walk-on quarterbacks once again to get through practice. The only corners available were Bryce Hampton (Adams State) and Reese Taylor (Indiana), as each is a transfer. Out: Cory Trice, Jamari Brown, Tee Denson, Brandon Calloway and Rickey Smith. The only safeties were Cam Allen, Chris Jefferson and Antonio Stevens. Sanoussi Kane, Jalen Graham, Jah’von Grigsby were out. The spring game should be interesting for the secondary.
• Good finally to visit with Iowa WR transfer Tyrone Tracy, an engaging young man who already has impressed his peers enough to be a leader. He played on the same youth football team in Indianapolis as Boiler teammates Broc Thompson and Reese Taylor. (Did they ever lose?) All are reunited now. The coach was Thompson’s dad, Ryan—a Major League Baseball player.
• Saw WR Milton Wright on the field. He wasn’t in full gear, but he warmed up and spent time after practice catching passes from Aidan O’Connell. This can’t be a bad sign for Wright, who is focusing on academics to regain his eligibility.
• LEO Kydran Jenkins (biceps) and RB Dylan Downing (shoulder) were worked out aggressively by strength coach Domenic Reno. RB coach Chris Barclay wanted Downing to trim some weight, and he does look noticeably thinner.
• Jeff Brohm thought Jalen Graham could perhaps see some action this spring after spring break. Alas, Graham is still out as he recovers from a rib injury sustained in the bowl game. No need to rush Graham back. He’s the top defender on the team, a proven commodity. Graham spent time with his position group: The safeties.
• While Graham wasn’t a full participant today, LB Semisi Fakasiieiki was all padded up and went through drills with his unit. Didn’t see him in 11-on-11 work. LB coach David Elson said last week he hoped to get Fakasiieiki some live action this spring as he comes back from an ankle injury that ended his 2021 in training camp. Maybe he will play some snaps in the spring game on Saturday.
• Hard not to be impressed with Mark Hagen’s d-line group, which is one of the deepest and most talented units on the team—in my opinion. This, with E George Karlaftis gone and LEO Kydran Jenkins (biceps) and T Lawrence Johnson (shoulder) out this spring. Also out today: T D.J. Washington, T Prince Boyd and T Greg Hudgins. And E Jack Sullivan hasn't been a regular at practices because of a class conflict. T Branson Deen looks good, as does E Sulaiman Kpaka, NT Mo Omonode and LEO Scotty Humpich, among others.
• Here is how the QBs lined up behind the top top five centers: 1. Aidan O’Connell; 2. Austin Burton; 3. Michael Alaimo; 4. Brady Allen; 5. Andrew Hobson.
• Saw Reese Taylor, Zion Steptoe and Andrew Sowinski fielding punts. Deion Burks said after practice he may be in that role, too.
• In case you were wondering, and I am sure some of you were: Yes, RB Sampson James practiced again. He has been a regular since spring break. Good sign. He will have to play a role for a thin unit. Recent RB portal target Wayne Taulapapa of Virginia, who visited last week, picked Washington today. The search for RB help continues.
THANKS for reading!
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