It was noticeable that the novelty of the return of football is over and the players are back in the grind. The emotion was lacking to start practice but really picked up at the back half during live drills. Coach Pease made a lot of the defense run gassers at the end of practice letting them know that a show start will leave them chasing offenses all over the field.
Here are some quick observations:
1) The offense spent the majority of the day rushing the ball. While you can't win all the battles, the defense hit the better of the offense today. There was a four play series that was really impressive. First, Tevin Carter smashed Andre Fletcher as he was attempting to turn the corner for no gain. Next, Stevie T, stuffed Fletcher again right up the middle. Third, McCormick got killed by Mokofisi between the tackles, something that hasn't happened much this spring. Lastly, McCormick got team tackled again behind the line of scrimmage. The rush defense looked solid.
2) Bittersweet, but once again balls were getting tipped at these line. All three, by my count, were Wilson thrown balls. We know all about Wilson's release, but it is good to still see the defensive line getting their hands up.
3) Last spring it was obvious that Orchard and Paul were going to set the tone and less the intensity on practice. The nastiness was awesome. I'm still waiting to see who will bring that firepower. Today Boobie Hobbs brought some swagger. It as on the opposite side of the field and I couldn't see the receiver, I thought the jersey was #86, but there is no #86, maybe it was Handley wearing #88. Anyways, Hobbs James the receiver all the way across the field on his cross route, then they went at each other, and the undersized DB wasn't backing down. Helmets were grabbed, chests shoved and words exchanged, but it never escalated. Controlled passion makes spring exciting.
4) The defense forced two turnovers in the final live plays of practice. Both Pita and Justin Thomas were able to strip balls loose from the ball carrier and the defense jumped on both balls.
5) Kylie Fitts is perfect fit this Utah defense. His size, speed, and strength are a deadly combination off the edge. On one play with Hansen at QB, the coverage was good and Hansen was forced to roll to his left, Fitts was a good 8 yards behind him but quickly made up ground and sacked Hansen from behind. Hansen was able to destroy the defense on the ground so it probably felt great to take him down.
If you happened to be there, please add your thoughts and observations. Feel free to ask any questions. If I don't have an answer I will try to get one Thursday.
Here are some quick observations:
1) The offense spent the majority of the day rushing the ball. While you can't win all the battles, the defense hit the better of the offense today. There was a four play series that was really impressive. First, Tevin Carter smashed Andre Fletcher as he was attempting to turn the corner for no gain. Next, Stevie T, stuffed Fletcher again right up the middle. Third, McCormick got killed by Mokofisi between the tackles, something that hasn't happened much this spring. Lastly, McCormick got team tackled again behind the line of scrimmage. The rush defense looked solid.
2) Bittersweet, but once again balls were getting tipped at these line. All three, by my count, were Wilson thrown balls. We know all about Wilson's release, but it is good to still see the defensive line getting their hands up.
3) Last spring it was obvious that Orchard and Paul were going to set the tone and less the intensity on practice. The nastiness was awesome. I'm still waiting to see who will bring that firepower. Today Boobie Hobbs brought some swagger. It as on the opposite side of the field and I couldn't see the receiver, I thought the jersey was #86, but there is no #86, maybe it was Handley wearing #88. Anyways, Hobbs James the receiver all the way across the field on his cross route, then they went at each other, and the undersized DB wasn't backing down. Helmets were grabbed, chests shoved and words exchanged, but it never escalated. Controlled passion makes spring exciting.
4) The defense forced two turnovers in the final live plays of practice. Both Pita and Justin Thomas were able to strip balls loose from the ball carrier and the defense jumped on both balls.
5) Kylie Fitts is perfect fit this Utah defense. His size, speed, and strength are a deadly combination off the edge. On one play with Hansen at QB, the coverage was good and Hansen was forced to roll to his left, Fitts was a good 8 yards behind him but quickly made up ground and sacked Hansen from behind. Hansen was able to destroy the defense on the ground so it probably felt great to take him down.
If you happened to be there, please add your thoughts and observations. Feel free to ask any questions. If I don't have an answer I will try to get one Thursday.
