It’s still very early in spring, but I’m a big believer in first impressions. Here are some tidbits from spring:
- We are going to rush the passer. Marquise Lightfoot in particular looks like he could have a big season. He’s added about 10 pounds, but more importantly he’s sharpened his pass rush repetoire. His spin move is becoming a weapon. Justin Scott is another one who may be reaching a new level. They watched Bain and Mesidor’s journeys and want similar success for themselves.
- I am very encouraged by what I’m seeing out of Jackson Cantwell. He is not a finished product by any means, but he is future along at left tackle than I anticipated. When he gets his hands on someone, it’s over. Max Buchanan is also impressing at right guard. Fluid and physical.
- Josh Moore and Somourian Wingo are two of the most natural athletes on the team. Both have made spectacular contested catches in the early going.
- Somebody who would know told me that Gavin Mueller reminds him of a young Jeremy Shockey.
- Chase Smith is wearing #9 and he has a lot of people asking, “Who is that?” Health is always going to be the key variable, but we have a unique combination of size, age and underlying athleticism between Smith and Mo Toure.
- Omar Thornton is playing safety and throwing himself around like a missile. Nickel has been a wide-open competition with a lot of names involved. JJ Dunnigan is playing boundary safety for now, but some around the program feel he could play any position in the secondary including outside corner.
- One younger guy who has been tough to block: freshman DT Logan Nagle.
