Peter Ariz shared his thoughts immediately after Tuesday’s Practice No. 9. The transcript is below:
Peter Ariz: “Good morning everybody. Welcome in. I’m sitting here in my car after practice like I always do. Today is April 7, we’re in week three now of spring. The media gets about 45 minutes to an hour, and then the rest is closed off. So I’m just going to go through my notes like I always do.
“Man, intense. Intense, physical. That’s the biggest takeaway today. You always feel that from the defensive side of the ball — Corey Hetherman, Will Harris, those guys bring it — but Shannon Dawson had something extra today. And Mario Cristobal, from what we’ve seen, has been pretty stoic the first couple weeks. Today, he had a little fire under him.”
Logan Nagle
Peter Ariz: “One guy that stood out early just walking in and watching tackling drills was Logan Nagle, the freshman. I haven’t really talked much about him, but he definitely looks like he’s put on about 25 pounds since getting here.
“He’s wearing No. 42, looks like a D-tackle all the way now. He played edge in high school, but physically he looks like an interior guy. It’s not that he’s out there making plays left and right — it’s more about the body. You can see the long arms, the way he moves, the hands. He’s got some unique movement ability for a defensive lineman.
“He’s a guy I’d put on the back burner. Maybe a redshirt-type year, maybe gets into some games early, but down the line, could be a good one.”
Corey Hetherman
Peter Ariz: “I posted a video early on from practice and kind of zoomed in on Corey Hetherman. He was in one of those moods. He was in his zone. You can tell he’s locked in, and that energy shows up right away in those drills.”
Zayden Gamble
Peter Ariz: “Zayden Gamble was at practice today, which was great to see. Miami’s battling Florida there, and I think Florida is a real contender with Miami in that one.”
Rhys Woodrow/ JJ Sparks / SJ Alofaituli
Peter Ariz: “Just watching drills and hearing things, I feel very good about the future of that center spot with Rhys Woodrow and J.J. Sparks. Woodrow is bigger, Sparks maybe not as big, but I’m hearing a lot about how quickly he’s picking things up. Same with Woodrow.
“You obviously can’t start two centers, but that’s a really nice base there.
“S.J. Alofaituli is still at guard right now. I think the snapping stuff is what’s keeping him away from center. He didn’t really do it much in high school and had some struggles with it last year in practice.
“I don’t know if guard is his long-term spot because of size, but they love him. We saw him at fullback last year, and I don’t see why he couldn’t still be used in a role like that. He’s a team guy, checks all the boxes.”
Israel Briggs / Jordan Campbell
Peter Ariz: “There was a really physical rep in a blocking drill between Israel Briggs and Jordan Campbell that stood out. Briggs has put on 15 to 20 pounds since getting here and looks like a completely different person, but he’s still moving really well. The fluidity, the hips, the routes — all that still looks good.
“Campbell, coming from edge to linebacker, has long arms, knows how to use them, plays with leverage. He got into Briggs’ chest a bit, but Briggs held up at the point of attack.
“That anchor — he showed more power than I maybe would have expected at this point. That was really good to see.”
Cole McConathy
Peter Ariz: “Cole McConathy had a nice rep as a blocker against Jordan Campbell. He held up well. That’s why it’ll be interesting to track his progression through the end of spring and into fall camp.
“Could he be a blocking-type tight end? A third tight end in bigger packages? There might be something there.”
Asharri Charles
Peter Ariz: “Asharri Charles is another one. I was told in his recruitment they saw him potentially as a three-tech. I don’t know if that’s where he plays this year, but he’s got inside-outside versatility.
“He looks stout. Strong. That first step is quick, and he’s powerful. He does some freakish things in the weight room from an explosive standpoint.
“You’re starting to build a group of pass rushers that aren’t just lighter edge guys. He’s got real size and explosiveness.”
Luka Gilbert / Jordan Campbell
Peter Ariz: “The big moment today was a blocking drill between Luka Gilbert and Jordan Campbell. First rep, Campbell got into Gilbert’s chest, and right away the tight ends coach was on him about leverage.
“Mario was vocal after that one, and when they tried to rotate, he stopped everything and said, ‘Get back on the line. We’ve got to play with some physicality.’
“They ran it again, and Luka did what he had to do. He brought the physicality and won the rep. And Mario said, ‘There we go. Throw him in the effing canal next time.’
“That kind of sums up where practice is right now. It’s week three. You’re fighting for jobs. You’re fighting for playing time.”
Peter Ariz: “I like what I’m seeing from Jordan Campbell, too. He looks the part. He can run. Special teams-wise, I think he can be a monster early.”
Matt McCoy / Isaiah Taylor / Jaden Wilkerson
Peter Ariz: “Matt McCoy had a nice rep in the run game against Booker Pickett.
“Isaiah Taylor almost had an interception on Dereon Coleman in seven-on-seven near the sideline.
“Jaden Wilkerson, with the second unit, they ran off his side at left tackle and he looked solid. His size and movement have been a pleasant surprise this spring.”
One-on-One Notes
Peter Ariz: “First rep, Josh Moore on a slant, Jabari Antoine had a nice pass breakup.
“Dylan Day had a nice pass breakup on Luka Gilbert on about a five- to seven-yard route.
“Cooper Barkate had a really strong day again. He’s starting to come into his own. He had a great route to create separation on a comeback against Brody Jennings, who’s another guy you keep hearing about internally. Good size, length, physical, and not slow.”
Peter Ariz: “Vandrevius Jacobs had a nice touchdown grab, about 25 yards on Ethan O’Connor. He seems like he catches a touchdown or two every practice we get to see.
“Omar Thornton had really physical coverage on Israel Briggs. Briggs couldn’t separate on that one. Good to see that from Thornton.
“Luke Nickel missed Vance Spafford up the seam against Zechariah Poyser. Poyser was tight. That’s one where you want to miss over the top, and he did.
“Judd Anderson had a completion to Owen Ruskovich, who made a physical catch with J.J. Dunigan on his back.”
Darian Mensah
Peter Ariz: “Darian Mensah was feeling it today. He threw a really nice slot fade touchdown to Luka Gilbert, about 20 yards.
“When Luka gets going downfield, he can create separation. He’s not stiff. But he’s got to be consistently physical in the blocking game. That’s where Mario wants more.”
Peter Ariz: “Mensah was even kind of dancing a little with Shannon Dawson after one of the touchdowns. He was feeling good out there.”
Malachi Toney
Peter Ariz: “Malachi Toney had a couple touchdowns today on Bryce Fitzgerald, both from the slot. One was up the middle on a post, and the other was a slot fade.
“Bryce doesn’t get beat often, but Malachi got him twice today.”
Cooper Barkate
Peter Ariz: “Barkate had another touchdown later, created separation downfield and Mensah dropped it right in there. He was balling today.”
Camdin Portis / Dereon Coleman
Peter Ariz: “Camdin Portis had a really nice interception on an out route near the sideline on Dereon Coleman.
“Coleman’s arm is special, it looks great coming off his hand, but right now it’s just about the processing. Those are the growing pains.”
Vandrevius Jacobs / Xavier Lucas
Peter Ariz: “Jacobs had another touchdown in goal-line work with Xavier Lucas in coverage.”
Vance Spafford / Zechariah Poyser
Peter Ariz: “Tough rep for Vance Spafford in the slot against Zechariah Poyser near the goal line. Physical coverage, tight space. That’s part of the process — continuing to get stronger.
“You’d like him to win those with his quickness, but I give Poyser credit. He had really good coverage and a nice pass breakup.”
Closing Thoughts
Peter Ariz: “That Mario moment kind of summed it up. It’s week three. Practice is getting where it needs to be.
“Physical, physical, physical. That’s what stood out today.”
Peter Ariz: “Good morning everybody. Welcome in. I’m sitting here in my car after practice like I always do. Today is April 7, we’re in week three now of spring. The media gets about 45 minutes to an hour, and then the rest is closed off. So I’m just going to go through my notes like I always do.
“Man, intense. Intense, physical. That’s the biggest takeaway today. You always feel that from the defensive side of the ball — Corey Hetherman, Will Harris, those guys bring it — but Shannon Dawson had something extra today. And Mario Cristobal, from what we’ve seen, has been pretty stoic the first couple weeks. Today, he had a little fire under him.”
Logan Nagle
Peter Ariz: “One guy that stood out early just walking in and watching tackling drills was Logan Nagle, the freshman. I haven’t really talked much about him, but he definitely looks like he’s put on about 25 pounds since getting here.
“He’s wearing No. 42, looks like a D-tackle all the way now. He played edge in high school, but physically he looks like an interior guy. It’s not that he’s out there making plays left and right — it’s more about the body. You can see the long arms, the way he moves, the hands. He’s got some unique movement ability for a defensive lineman.
“He’s a guy I’d put on the back burner. Maybe a redshirt-type year, maybe gets into some games early, but down the line, could be a good one.”
Corey Hetherman
Peter Ariz: “I posted a video early on from practice and kind of zoomed in on Corey Hetherman. He was in one of those moods. He was in his zone. You can tell he’s locked in, and that energy shows up right away in those drills.”
Zayden Gamble
Peter Ariz: “Zayden Gamble was at practice today, which was great to see. Miami’s battling Florida there, and I think Florida is a real contender with Miami in that one.”
Rhys Woodrow/ JJ Sparks / SJ Alofaituli
Peter Ariz: “Just watching drills and hearing things, I feel very good about the future of that center spot with Rhys Woodrow and J.J. Sparks. Woodrow is bigger, Sparks maybe not as big, but I’m hearing a lot about how quickly he’s picking things up. Same with Woodrow.
“You obviously can’t start two centers, but that’s a really nice base there.
“S.J. Alofaituli is still at guard right now. I think the snapping stuff is what’s keeping him away from center. He didn’t really do it much in high school and had some struggles with it last year in practice.
“I don’t know if guard is his long-term spot because of size, but they love him. We saw him at fullback last year, and I don’t see why he couldn’t still be used in a role like that. He’s a team guy, checks all the boxes.”
Israel Briggs / Jordan Campbell
Peter Ariz: “There was a really physical rep in a blocking drill between Israel Briggs and Jordan Campbell that stood out. Briggs has put on 15 to 20 pounds since getting here and looks like a completely different person, but he’s still moving really well. The fluidity, the hips, the routes — all that still looks good.
“Campbell, coming from edge to linebacker, has long arms, knows how to use them, plays with leverage. He got into Briggs’ chest a bit, but Briggs held up at the point of attack.
“That anchor — he showed more power than I maybe would have expected at this point. That was really good to see.”
Cole McConathy
Peter Ariz: “Cole McConathy had a nice rep as a blocker against Jordan Campbell. He held up well. That’s why it’ll be interesting to track his progression through the end of spring and into fall camp.
“Could he be a blocking-type tight end? A third tight end in bigger packages? There might be something there.”
Asharri Charles
Peter Ariz: “Asharri Charles is another one. I was told in his recruitment they saw him potentially as a three-tech. I don’t know if that’s where he plays this year, but he’s got inside-outside versatility.
“He looks stout. Strong. That first step is quick, and he’s powerful. He does some freakish things in the weight room from an explosive standpoint.
“You’re starting to build a group of pass rushers that aren’t just lighter edge guys. He’s got real size and explosiveness.”
Luka Gilbert / Jordan Campbell
Peter Ariz: “The big moment today was a blocking drill between Luka Gilbert and Jordan Campbell. First rep, Campbell got into Gilbert’s chest, and right away the tight ends coach was on him about leverage.
“Mario was vocal after that one, and when they tried to rotate, he stopped everything and said, ‘Get back on the line. We’ve got to play with some physicality.’
“They ran it again, and Luka did what he had to do. He brought the physicality and won the rep. And Mario said, ‘There we go. Throw him in the effing canal next time.’
“That kind of sums up where practice is right now. It’s week three. You’re fighting for jobs. You’re fighting for playing time.”
Peter Ariz: “I like what I’m seeing from Jordan Campbell, too. He looks the part. He can run. Special teams-wise, I think he can be a monster early.”
Matt McCoy / Isaiah Taylor / Jaden Wilkerson
Peter Ariz: “Matt McCoy had a nice rep in the run game against Booker Pickett.
“Isaiah Taylor almost had an interception on Dereon Coleman in seven-on-seven near the sideline.
“Jaden Wilkerson, with the second unit, they ran off his side at left tackle and he looked solid. His size and movement have been a pleasant surprise this spring.”
One-on-One Notes
Peter Ariz: “First rep, Josh Moore on a slant, Jabari Antoine had a nice pass breakup.
“Dylan Day had a nice pass breakup on Luka Gilbert on about a five- to seven-yard route.
“Cooper Barkate had a really strong day again. He’s starting to come into his own. He had a great route to create separation on a comeback against Brody Jennings, who’s another guy you keep hearing about internally. Good size, length, physical, and not slow.”
Peter Ariz: “Vandrevius Jacobs had a nice touchdown grab, about 25 yards on Ethan O’Connor. He seems like he catches a touchdown or two every practice we get to see.
“Omar Thornton had really physical coverage on Israel Briggs. Briggs couldn’t separate on that one. Good to see that from Thornton.
“Luke Nickel missed Vance Spafford up the seam against Zechariah Poyser. Poyser was tight. That’s one where you want to miss over the top, and he did.
“Judd Anderson had a completion to Owen Ruskovich, who made a physical catch with J.J. Dunigan on his back.”
Darian Mensah
Peter Ariz: “Darian Mensah was feeling it today. He threw a really nice slot fade touchdown to Luka Gilbert, about 20 yards.
“When Luka gets going downfield, he can create separation. He’s not stiff. But he’s got to be consistently physical in the blocking game. That’s where Mario wants more.”
Peter Ariz: “Mensah was even kind of dancing a little with Shannon Dawson after one of the touchdowns. He was feeling good out there.”
Malachi Toney
Peter Ariz: “Malachi Toney had a couple touchdowns today on Bryce Fitzgerald, both from the slot. One was up the middle on a post, and the other was a slot fade.
“Bryce doesn’t get beat often, but Malachi got him twice today.”
Cooper Barkate
Peter Ariz: “Barkate had another touchdown later, created separation downfield and Mensah dropped it right in there. He was balling today.”
Camdin Portis / Dereon Coleman
Peter Ariz: “Camdin Portis had a really nice interception on an out route near the sideline on Dereon Coleman.
“Coleman’s arm is special, it looks great coming off his hand, but right now it’s just about the processing. Those are the growing pains.”
Vandrevius Jacobs / Xavier Lucas
Peter Ariz: “Jacobs had another touchdown in goal-line work with Xavier Lucas in coverage.”
Vance Spafford / Zechariah Poyser
Peter Ariz: “Tough rep for Vance Spafford in the slot against Zechariah Poyser near the goal line. Physical coverage, tight space. That’s part of the process — continuing to get stronger.
“You’d like him to win those with his quickness, but I give Poyser credit. He had really good coverage and a nice pass breakup.”
Closing Thoughts
Peter Ariz: “That Mario moment kind of summed it up. It’s week three. Practice is getting where it needs to be.
“Physical, physical, physical. That’s what stood out today.”
