The first week of practice is in the books and the Buffs conducted their first scrimmage. Since no one outside the program, besides a group of visiting high school juniors, was allowed to watch, there is limited information.
§ The highlight being reported is that there were two long TD connections (a 70-yard bomb and a 35-yard screen) from Connor Wood (took the majority of QB snaps) to Paul Richardson (being singled out daily for his hard work and production). The two have been focusing on their timing and it seems as if they might be getting it!
§ The defense supposedly had a string of 10 or so snaps where they shut down the offense.
§ There were no turnovers: good for O, bad for D.
§ Other names that were mentioned by Embree were: DL Wil Pericak and Chidera Uzo-Diribe, RB Tony Jones, LB Derrick Webb, CB Greg Henderson, S Terrell Smith (who I think will end up starting at the other safety).
§ QB John Schrock has said he definitely has a “chip on his shoulder” and is not conceding anything.
§ Mountain Vista QB Isaac Archuleta joined the team as a walk-on along with 3 defensive lineman and a few others.
§ Clay Norgard is learning the FB position but walk-on converted TE Alex Wood is holding his own there.
§ RFr. CB Sherrard Harrington has looked good and fast.
§ RFr. WR Nelson Spruce has gotten a lot of attention and accolades the first week. Keenan Canty and Tyler McCulloch got some praise early in the week, but unfortunately no mention yet of converted TE DaVaughn Thorton.
§ Because of the lack of depth on the defensive line the coaches have been doing a lot of situational work, putting the offense in a lot of specific down and distance spots that favor the defense.
§ Darragh O’Neill has been watching a lot of tape of himself and trying to improve his punting. Special Teams coach JD Brookhart said about the competition with Zach Grossnickle (and maybe transfer DJ Wilhelm), “It's open. Darragh's to lose, but it's open.”
§ Injuries: Unfortunately, S Parker Orms pulled a hamstring and will be out for ALL of the Spring. As much as everyone, especially locals from Wheat Ridge, have been hoping for him to finally break out, I am beginning to wonder if he can ever stay healthy enough to contribute on a regular basis. I don’t see how the team can count on him as more than a nickel or dime back when he is able. That is the main reason for the Smith prediction.
§ S Wil Harlos has also been dealing with a hamstring and has also been quite injury prone in his first year in the program (he had multiple concussions, some of which he kept hidden from staff last year, in addition to multiple leg issues).
§ TE Nick Kasa was held out of the scrimmage, but should be back this week.
§ QB Nick Hirschman has been watching on crutches, while DT Nate Bonsu and CB Jered Bell have only been participating in non-contact drills.
§ There have been numerous position switches and experiments going on. Stephane Nembot is up over 300 pounds and happy he switched to OT from DE.
§ As expected David Bahktiari has been practicing at both LT and LG.
§ S Kyle Washington has been practicing at the Will LB spot, trying to add some more speed to the defense.
§ The Buffs have now used 5 of their allotted 15 practice days. They will practice Tuesday and Thursday this week before taking Spring Break off and coming back for 7 more practices and the Spring Game on April 14.
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