Saturday Open Practice Thoughts

[formerlurker]

I think he's raw and will only get better with each game. They are trying him at both end and tackle, that tells me they are trying to find a way to keep him/get him on the field because he can make an impact.

Kind of like with the O- line, it gets old going against teammates with familiar tendencies - they all need someone new to hit for anyone to get full impact of progress made,

Does he have that much speed as a big man that they're keeping him on D for a reason? With that size and willingness to hit and with the OL being such a potential liability, why not move him to the other side of the ball and hope you strike lightning?

 

[metsfan2323]

This made me happy (from The UCONN Blog):

"According to a veteran secondary player, last year’s playbook, which was (constructed by former defensive coordinator Don Brown) predicated on multiple fronts, disguise and an attack mentality, has carried over in 2013 and in fact grown".

 

[huskymedic]

Does he have that much speed as a big man that they're keeping him on D for a reason? With that size and willingness to hit and with the OL being such a potential liability, why not move him to the other side of the ball and hope you strike lightning?

I dunno, 6-9 w/ a good size wingspan can disrupt a lot of passing lanes.

 

[Waquoit]

Hippo had some good powerful runs which drew coach's praise, but dropped a perfect pass with no defenders nearby.

I think this Hippo observation (the best back today) captures my overall take. We saw many good plays made, then a headscratching mistake by the same guy soon after. Still time to tighten things up.

 

[uconnbill]

I spent most of the time watching the quarterbacks and wide receivers.
The quarterbacks are probably listed as I have read earlier with Whitmer one, Cochran two, Boyle three, Taylor and Lagow redshirt similar.
Boyle has the best feet of the five as he did a drill that showed footwork with a pass rush and has a very good release.
Whitmer is clearly number one in my opinion as he runs the team better than any of the other four players. I feel better about him then I did last year.
Casey has improved and throws a nice ball. Doesn't have the arm of the three freshman but has great poise.
Lagow as a very strong arm but seemed off today compared to the other quarterbacks.
Taylor throws a nice ball and is athletic. I like him and think he could be a good quarterback down the road.

Wide receivers
Phillips and Davis looked really good today and have the size to cause other teams issues. Both caught everything thrown at them.
Foxx and Bradley did a good job as well and showed good quickness. Green and Lemelle seem next in line from what I saw today. Both have good speed and nice hands. Green did get into with Stevenson on one play with bump and run coverage. Not sure which one started it, but it showed me a lot of spirit between the two players. I bet they can't wait to hit someone else.

It was a good day overall till Sean got hurt which put a damper on everything. I am glad he is okay.

 

[Jimdish255]

Does he have that much speed as a big man that they're keeping him on D for a reason? With that size and willingness to hit and with the OL being such a potential liability, why not move him to the other side of the ball and hope you strike lightning?

My thoughts were as a tight end near the goal line or short yardage as a blocker. But if he could catch and bull forward for 2 or 3 could pose real issues for the D. Haven't a clue if he can actually block or catch though.

 

[whaler11]

Just a general comment: a diagnosis of 'just a concussion' does not mean a player is OK. It's a terrible injury.

 

[uconnbill]

Just a general comment: a diagnosis of 'just a concussion' does not mean a player is OK. It's a terrible injury.

I was saying better because many there thought it could be worse, maybe much worse. That is what I was comparing it too.

 

[whaler11]

I was saying better because many there thought it could be worse, maybe much worse. That is what I was comparing it too.

A: I was speaking in general

B: Your post says you are glad he is okay.

C: I understand what people think when they see the ambulance and the board. I officiated high school games for a decade, the horrible injuries made me sick. It was a big part of why I stopped.

 

[Bezzz]

Green did get into with Stevenson on one play with bump and run coverage. Not sure which one started it, but it showed me a lot of spirit between the two players. I bet they can't wait to hit someone else.

Right after the play ended where Stevenson was defending Green pretty hard Green accused him of facemasking and very quickly helmuts flew and fists were flying. But I like how TJW handled it by first pulling them both out of action for a minute and as things cooled he pulled them together and spoke to them quietly for a good couple of minutes after which they shook hands. Good to see.

 

[Waquoit]

I spent most of the time watching the quarterbacks and wide receivers.
The quarterbacks are probably listed as I have read earlier with Whitmer one, Cochran two, Boyle three, Taylor and Lagow redshirt similar.
Boyle has the best feet of the five as he did a drill that showed footwork with a pass rush and has a very good release.
Whitmer is clearly number one in my opinion as he runs the team better than any of the other four players. I feel better about him then I did last year.
Casey has improved and throws a nice ball. Doesn't have the arm of the three freshman but has great poise.
Lagow as a very strong arm but seemed off today compared to the other quarterbacks.
Taylor throws a nice ball and is athletic. I like him and think he could be a good quarterback down the road.

I pretty much agree with one exception, Cochran. He didn't seems very accurate to me. Even with the completions I had problem with his accuracy. Guys had to turn or reach on even the simple throws. Kinda reminded me of JMac. I thought Boyle was the clear 2 yesterday. Totally agree about Taylor. He could surprise.

 

[len0322]

The slot receiver could make a big difference in this offense. If Foxx/Bradley/both can emerge and be threats in the short passing game, it would be a big plus. It could open the entire offense. Looking forward to see how this position develops

 

[huskymedic]

View from Greenwich Times (w/ focus on Graham Stewart):
http://www.greenwichtime.com/uconn/...845.php?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

[Kingspoint]

View attachment 3477

A: I was speaking in general

B: Your post says you are glad he is okay.

C: I understand what people think when they see the ambulance and the board. I officiated high school games for a decade, the horrible injuries made me sick. It was a big part of why I stopped.

Picture taken right before McQillan got hit suffering a concussion.

 

[Kingspoint]

Silver hit on the problem people usually ignore with tight ends. They badly need someone who can block. Boland wasn't even with the program 2 weeks ago and may start in two weeks.

Michael Boland making a nice catch.

 

[uconnbill]

View attachment 3479



Michael Boland making a nice catch.

He is a heck of an athlete for just being at Storrs for a little over a week and playing as he did yesterday.

 

[THC]

View from Greenwich Times (w/ focus on Graham Stewart):
http://www.greenwichtime.com/uconn/...845.php?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

They actually forgot to mention the Murphy kid from Wethersfield. That actually makes five local products that Urban, and the dazzler were able to lure down to Gainesville.

 

[jdb50]

He is a heck of an athlete for just being at Storrs for a little over a week and playing as he did yesterday.

Like the hand placement on that catch. Thumbs to the inside, shows good fundamentals.