Connor and I were able to attend this morning and I thought we would post some observations. Anyone else there feel free to contribute your thoughts as well.
Initial Thoughts:
-The entire practice was the players in just helmets and shorts, so it was tough to get a read on the offensive and defensive lines in terms of QB pressure, getting into the backfield, and who is going to play the most.
-Offensive line looks the part. Guys are bigger and stronger. Vincent Calhoun and Tyler Moore could be opening a lot of holes in the running game this season between the tackles.
-Lots of skeleton today with QB's throwing a ton of passes to receivers and tight ends with linebackers and defensive backs in coverage.
-Myrick and Buford were the starting cornerbacks, Hardin did not participate today.
-Travis and Ayinde ran with the first team in practice while Amoako, Ace, Duke, and Huff ran with the second and third units. Things changed a ton, no set rotation right now.
-Poock was the star of the linebackers as he picked off a Leidner pass over the middle after reading the eyes of the senior QB and took it to the house. This drew some big noise and some hooting and hollering from the defense and spectators.
-Starting defensive tackles today in drills were Andrew Stelter and Scott Ekpe with Richardson and Merrick Jackson on the second unit. Very interchangeable and there is no doubt Richardson and Jackson could easily be the starters and probably will be.
-Antonio Shenualt had a good day in coverage. Made a couple of nice pass break ups and ripped the ball out of Isaiah Gentry's hands one play for an incompletion.
-Carter Coughlin will definitely play this season. He is long, fast, and athletic. Can drop back into coverage and also will be a factor getting to the quarterback. So versatile.
Positives:
-Mitch looked solid today besides the one pick six. Made good reads and threw a couple really nice balls. Play of the day was a 40 yard dime placed perfectly into the hands of Woli on a post route as he beat Jalen Myrick.
-Defensive tackle depth is the best its been in the Kill/Claeys era. After practice Claeys said they'll probably have six guys play there this season who can rotate in.
-Gentry is healthy. He ran a lot with the two's today across from Hunter Register and looked solid. Gained a significant amount of muscle and looks the part. Had a couple of drops but good to see him out there. Loved when the WR group was him and Still on the outside with Woli in the slot.
-Duke Anyanwu is healthy folks! Great to see the Blaine native running around again and making plays from the tight end position. Could definitely see some time this year if he stays healthy.
-Seth Green looks more confident in the pocket. Made some nice throws today and led his receivers well. No doubt will be in the QB competition next spring after redshirting in the fall.
-DeMarcus Williams threw some wobblers early in practice, but he was excellent in the teams 2-minute drill portion at the end of practice. He led the scout team right down the field and threw some bullets to hit open receivers in stride.
Concerns:
-Defensive end is very much a concern for Minnesota this season as we have talked about before.
-Just not a whole lot of depth there behind Elmore and Hank Ekpe, and we don't even know how good they will be at their positions. Just not a lot of proof in their stats from their careers so far.
-Winston De. and Julian Kafo ran with the 2nd unit at DE, once again hard to get a read on their performance without any pads on.
-Tamarion Johnson and Taiyon Devers are THIN. Devers shows good burst around the edge and is probably the more likely of the two to play this season. Johnson needs to put on about 25-30 pounds before he can hold his own against Big Ten linemen.
-2nd cornerback position opposite of Myrick is filled with youth. Tons of redshirt freshman and true sophomores in there competing with the true freshman Durr, Thomas, and Winfield. They'll take their lumps no doubt, and although Buford started across from Myrick today, that position won't be settled until deep into training camp.
-Big playmakers, who is going to be that guy? Gentry certainly looks the part and they sent him on plenty of deep routes today, no big connections however.
-Didn't see Melvin Holland at all today practicing with the 2nd unit. Could be a potential small injury situation but not sure because he was running around and doing other drills.
Plays of the Day:
-Cody Poock pick six after a quick reaction to get over and read the play for an easy touchdown.
-Rashad Still went up and snagged a pass over one of the back up safeties after a perfectly thrown ball from Mitch Leidner.
-Shannon Brooks breaking loose for a big run during offense/defense competition. No tackling obviously with just helmets but he looks like he's gained some speed from last year. Will be a top five Big Ten running back this fall.
-Antonio Shenault arriving right on time to make a great defensive play to knock a pass away from Isaiah Gentry.
-Kunle Ayinde breaking up a slant route over the middle and nearly coming away with a pick.
-Tyler Johnson didn't have one play in particular that stood out when he played receiver, but he was just solid. Has great hands and a nice feel for the game, I'm interested to see him continue to develop.
-Drew Wolitarsky made an excellent grab on a seam route from the slot and Leidner put it right on him. He took a shot from one of the safeties and had some words with him afterwards.
Side Notes:
-Brandon Lingen didn't participate today as the team is being cautious after his shoulder surgery. Should be ready to go for the season.
-Drew Hmielewski will medically redshirt because of shoulder issues, Claeys said. May have redshirted this year anyway but should be ready in the spring.
-Kobe McCrary showed solid burst on the few carries that he got. He is a big dude. Thinner than Rodrick Williams but probably only 10-15 pounds lighter.
-Rodney Smith is now #1, Brooks #23, Holland Jr. #5, Tyler Moore #77.
-Didn't see much of freshmen DB's today as they were doing a lot of work on the other end of the field with scout team, didn't get much run in skelly. Assume they are just taking in new techniques in concepts before they are thrown into the fire.
Initial Thoughts:
-The entire practice was the players in just helmets and shorts, so it was tough to get a read on the offensive and defensive lines in terms of QB pressure, getting into the backfield, and who is going to play the most.
-Offensive line looks the part. Guys are bigger and stronger. Vincent Calhoun and Tyler Moore could be opening a lot of holes in the running game this season between the tackles.
-Lots of skeleton today with QB's throwing a ton of passes to receivers and tight ends with linebackers and defensive backs in coverage.
-Myrick and Buford were the starting cornerbacks, Hardin did not participate today.
-Travis and Ayinde ran with the first team in practice while Amoako, Ace, Duke, and Huff ran with the second and third units. Things changed a ton, no set rotation right now.
-Poock was the star of the linebackers as he picked off a Leidner pass over the middle after reading the eyes of the senior QB and took it to the house. This drew some big noise and some hooting and hollering from the defense and spectators.
-Starting defensive tackles today in drills were Andrew Stelter and Scott Ekpe with Richardson and Merrick Jackson on the second unit. Very interchangeable and there is no doubt Richardson and Jackson could easily be the starters and probably will be.
-Antonio Shenualt had a good day in coverage. Made a couple of nice pass break ups and ripped the ball out of Isaiah Gentry's hands one play for an incompletion.
-Carter Coughlin will definitely play this season. He is long, fast, and athletic. Can drop back into coverage and also will be a factor getting to the quarterback. So versatile.
Positives:
-Mitch looked solid today besides the one pick six. Made good reads and threw a couple really nice balls. Play of the day was a 40 yard dime placed perfectly into the hands of Woli on a post route as he beat Jalen Myrick.
-Defensive tackle depth is the best its been in the Kill/Claeys era. After practice Claeys said they'll probably have six guys play there this season who can rotate in.
-Gentry is healthy. He ran a lot with the two's today across from Hunter Register and looked solid. Gained a significant amount of muscle and looks the part. Had a couple of drops but good to see him out there. Loved when the WR group was him and Still on the outside with Woli in the slot.
-Duke Anyanwu is healthy folks! Great to see the Blaine native running around again and making plays from the tight end position. Could definitely see some time this year if he stays healthy.
-Seth Green looks more confident in the pocket. Made some nice throws today and led his receivers well. No doubt will be in the QB competition next spring after redshirting in the fall.
-DeMarcus Williams threw some wobblers early in practice, but he was excellent in the teams 2-minute drill portion at the end of practice. He led the scout team right down the field and threw some bullets to hit open receivers in stride.
Concerns:
-Defensive end is very much a concern for Minnesota this season as we have talked about before.
-Just not a whole lot of depth there behind Elmore and Hank Ekpe, and we don't even know how good they will be at their positions. Just not a lot of proof in their stats from their careers so far.
-Winston De. and Julian Kafo ran with the 2nd unit at DE, once again hard to get a read on their performance without any pads on.
-Tamarion Johnson and Taiyon Devers are THIN. Devers shows good burst around the edge and is probably the more likely of the two to play this season. Johnson needs to put on about 25-30 pounds before he can hold his own against Big Ten linemen.
-2nd cornerback position opposite of Myrick is filled with youth. Tons of redshirt freshman and true sophomores in there competing with the true freshman Durr, Thomas, and Winfield. They'll take their lumps no doubt, and although Buford started across from Myrick today, that position won't be settled until deep into training camp.
-Big playmakers, who is going to be that guy? Gentry certainly looks the part and they sent him on plenty of deep routes today, no big connections however.
-Didn't see Melvin Holland at all today practicing with the 2nd unit. Could be a potential small injury situation but not sure because he was running around and doing other drills.
Plays of the Day:
-Cody Poock pick six after a quick reaction to get over and read the play for an easy touchdown.
-Rashad Still went up and snagged a pass over one of the back up safeties after a perfectly thrown ball from Mitch Leidner.
-Shannon Brooks breaking loose for a big run during offense/defense competition. No tackling obviously with just helmets but he looks like he's gained some speed from last year. Will be a top five Big Ten running back this fall.
-Antonio Shenault arriving right on time to make a great defensive play to knock a pass away from Isaiah Gentry.
-Kunle Ayinde breaking up a slant route over the middle and nearly coming away with a pick.
-Tyler Johnson didn't have one play in particular that stood out when he played receiver, but he was just solid. Has great hands and a nice feel for the game, I'm interested to see him continue to develop.
-Drew Wolitarsky made an excellent grab on a seam route from the slot and Leidner put it right on him. He took a shot from one of the safeties and had some words with him afterwards.
Side Notes:
-Brandon Lingen didn't participate today as the team is being cautious after his shoulder surgery. Should be ready to go for the season.
-Drew Hmielewski will medically redshirt because of shoulder issues, Claeys said. May have redshirted this year anyway but should be ready in the spring.
-Kobe McCrary showed solid burst on the few carries that he got. He is a big dude. Thinner than Rodrick Williams but probably only 10-15 pounds lighter.
-Rodney Smith is now #1, Brooks #23, Holland Jr. #5, Tyler Moore #77.
-Didn't see much of freshmen DB's today as they were doing a lot of work on the other end of the field with scout team, didn't get much run in skelly. Assume they are just taking in new techniques in concepts before they are thrown into the fire.
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