The Irish were back indoors for today’s open practice. In addition to the media being present for the full duration of practice, over 100 coaches were there as spectators for the coaches clinic.
Practice Schedule
7:30 a.m. – Run and stretch with Ruben Mendoza
7:42 a.m. – Bags
7:45 a.m. – Individual
7:53 a.m. – Individual
8:01 a.m. – Individual
8:09 a.m. – Irish Eyes/1 on 1 WR’s vs DB’s
8:17 a.m. – Break
8:19 am. – Team Run
8:34 a.m. – Break
8:36 a.m. – Punt
8:46 a.m. – Group Team
8:58 a.m. – Team red zone
9:12 a.m. – All run/post stretch with Ruben Mendoza
Offensive Notes:
*The offensive “beast” award during the Irish Eyes (similar to Oklahoma) drill goes to Chris Stewart. He was in a couple heated battles after getting a pancake on Maurice Crum and Kevin Washington. Crum came back and got off the block by Stewart to make a fumble-causing hit in the backfield, so Charlie Weis had to stop everyone and make them go again. Crum made the tackle the following play but after Stewart drove him back for a couple yards. He worked at guard and tackle during team drills.
*The biggest surprise in the Irish Eyes drill on offense was Andrew Nuss. He consistently blew linebackers off the line of scrimmage and looked strong coming out of his stance. Honorable mention was Trevor Robinson. He came off the line well and made contact, but he just needed to do a better job of keeping the defender in front of him after driving them back.
* The players showed some emotion today and got involved in some minor fights during the drill, but all came together to break the huddle at the end. There’s nothing wrong with showing some intensity during a highly competitive drill.
*Jimmy Clausen is not only looking more comfortable on the field, but more confident as well. He was working very hard during individual drills with Ron Powlus and threw some darts today during team drills. His brother, Rick, was at practice today.
*David Grimes really showed out today during the team red zone drill by getting open and making some great catches. He may not have the size, but anything within three yards of him is caught.
*Duval Kamara looks the part and dips in and out of his breaks well, but noticed a couple bobbled balls during cone drills. There’s plenty of time to tighten up his catching ability and he should be back on track soon to become a big time contributor this season. After closing out the team red zone drill by getting open by the sidelines and making the catch, Rob Ianello ran out to congratulate him.
*Sam Young had his chance to shine as a punt returner today. Not quite the same speed as Armando Allen, but was able to get to the open field a bit as people wisely moved out of the way of a 330-pound mammoth.
Defensive Notes:
*The defensive “beast” award during the Irish Eyes drill goes to Ian Williams. This kid is just amazingly strong out of his stance, but has the technique as well to help him win each battle. I mentioned it earlier today on the sidelines, but he looks like Cedric Hilliard with more athleticism and he’s only a freshman.
*The biggest surprise in the Irish Eyes drill on defense was Emeka Nwankwo. He stood most of the linemen that he faced up out of his stance and did a great job of getting off the block to make the play. There were definitely a few pops in there that had his fellow defensemen surrounding him after making the hit.
*Kerry Neal worked with the defensive line again all day today and it looks as if we'll be seeing more of a 4-3 front this year. He made calls from that rush end position and even dropped into coverage on certain calls.
*With Neal and Morrice Richardson working as the ends, Justin Brown bumped inside to a 3-technique. Brown has had his right wrist wrapped up pretty good throughout the spring.
*Richardson found himself in the backfield quite a bit today and he looks to have finally found a good spot for him on the defense as a 5-technique.
*Brian Smith has filled out well and did a great job of reading his keys during the individual period with Brian Polian. He didn’t get as high of a praise from Jon Tenuta after stemming the wrong way for an interception drill. “Brian it’s your right, to the outside. You understand English,” he asked rhetorically.
*Maurice Crum showed to be a great leader today. He was the most vocal player in his group during individual drills with Tenuta and supported his teammates when they messed up on a drill. “Come on (Aaron) Nagel,” he said in encouragement after Nagel dropped a ball and was ordered to do ten pushups by Tenuta. “That’s a missed opportunity,” Tenuta added.
*Harrison Smith looks big out there compared to all the safeties. I wouldn't be surprised if he was able to add even more good weight and play some outside linebacker. As John noted, he came up on the line in nickel defense and made some nice hits on James Aldridge in the backfield.
*For the defensive players that jumped offsides during team drills, they had to meet Tenuta on the sidelines for up-downs. J. Brown, Crum, and Washington all had the pleasure of meeting Tenuta for their punishment.
Hurt/injured Player Notes:
*Mike Ragone (tweaked knee) and Luke Schmidt (head) were on the stationary bikes during the second portion of the individual period, but participated in the non-contact drills. With these two down, Kevin Brooks got the starting reps at tight end as well as the long snapper on punt.
*Asaph Schwapp looked to have tweaked his right calf and stayed out of the final team drill.
*Matt Romine didn't participate yesterday or today because he is banged up a bit.
*John Ryan and Chris Patterson were back in their green jerseys.
*Will Yeatman was at practice again in workout clothes getting some mental reps with the tight ends.
*Brandon Walker had to hit a 37-yeard field goal for the team to not have conditioning, but failed and went wide right. The team ran 110-yard sprints with Sergio Brown, Taylor Dever, Mike Ragone, Luke Schmidt, Asaph Schwapp, and Dan Wenger all on the bikes.
*Bartley Webb (no longer able to play do to injuries) was at practice today helping with the offensive line.
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