General Thoughts:
- Fun practice. Under the lights at TCF Bank, energy was high at practice and you could tell the players were really enjoying themselves. Looked like they were genuinely having fun, which isn't always the case during fall camp.
- Scouts from the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans were on hand.
- Terell Smith has come so far. He probably has the nod on the starting job at the moment. His length is huge and he is putting it all together.
- Coleman Bryson will play this year as a freshman. Fleck said so in the post-practice presser. For a true freshman, he is really talented and the game isn't too fast for him.
- A lot of goal line emphasis today. 3rd down emphasis last open practice, goal line today. Individual session was quarterbacks and TE's working on goal line routes: slants, whips, fades, crossers, etc.
- Right tackle is competition is still wide open. I watched that position pretty close today. I think Quinn Carroll is probably the best run blocker of the bunch, but Martes Lewis has a bit better pass protection and movement to him. JJ Guedet is running with the 2's at the RT spot, but I think he is behind the other two at the moment. Lewis' upside is intriguing. That may go into the season.
- Austin Booker was dominant against the 2nd and 3rd units as a pass rusher. Offensive line depth still needs to be built up a bit. They have the bodies, but need some time.
- Daniel Jackson, Logan Richter, Cameron James, Logan Purcell, Jackson Ruschmeyer all held out today (probably also contributed to the above point)
- In 1v1's, goal line was again the emphasis. There are two split sides in 1v1's, the top side and the other side. Tariq Watson (true freshman) works with the top side. A lot of good reps for him against the Gophers best wideouts. It is clear the staff thinks highly of him.
- The GA's and equipment staff are the hardest working individuals round. They are hustling and running around all practice long.
- A mix of rap and rowser music today for practice. The siren music still comes on for important fourth down and third down plays, with the intent that the players have to focus through the chaos.
