Spring Game Thoughts

DMoney

Yesterday at 4:11 PM 4 min read

I’ll post more later, but wanted to drop a quick reaction while I wait for my son’s hoops game.

Overall, this was a productive spring and pretty clean spring game. The team did a great job keeping players healthy. Josh Moore got banged up in one-on-ones, but the people I talk to aren’t concerned. We are otherwise in good shape. On to the game:

- Darian Mensah was the star of the show. He started off a little conservative, but once he warmed up he was throwing all over the field with outstanding accuracy and anticipation.

This should be no surprise, but Mensah has excellent timing with Cooper Barkate and will make seemingly dangerous throws to him with total confidence. They connected on a tight-window throw over the middle with perfect coverage from Jaboree Antoine. Mensah also hit Barkate for a TD on a fade, and did the same thing with Daylyn Upshaw on a subsequent drive. He also threw a TD to Cam Vaughn over the middle in a spot only Vaughn could catch it. He is going to put up huge numbers in this offense.

- The backup QB who flashed the most was Judd Anderson. He threw several strikes over the middle and led a touchdown drive late in the scrimmage.

- Mark Fletcher and Malachi Toney got very limited work. We know what they can do. In Fletcher’s absence, Javian Mallory got increased reps and took advantage. He had a long run to the outside that could’ve been six if JJ Dunnigan wasn’t there to run down the angle. Jordan Lyle also had some strong runs.

- It was a quiet day for the tight ends, other than a nice full-extension catch by Luka Gilbert on fourth down.

- The aforementioned Cam Vaughn is really coming on since a quiet start of spring. Milan Parris was very active with multiple first downs. He was sick when he first got to Miami and lost 12 pounds. Now, he looks healthy and dangerous. Spafford had a tough drop with Dunnigan closing in but bounced back with several big catches on Judd’s TD drive.

- On the offensive line, the first team gave Mensah some clean pockets. The best matchup of the day was Jackson Cantwell and Damion Wilson. Cantwell tossed Wilson on Mensah’s TD to Barkate, and Wilson got his revenge with a nice inside move. Both players look like future pros.

I continue to be impressed by Ben Congdon’s ability to drive block. He is huge, flexible and mean.

- The defensive line got some pressure, led by Wilson. Maybe the most impressive play was Armondo Blount chasing down a screen to Izzy Briggs. He has a serious motor and can run.

- The linebackers were excited to hit. Ezekiel Marcelin, Kellen Wiley and Bobby Pruitt had big tackles. Jordan Campbell also blew up a play in the backfield.

- The most impressive player on the field may have been JJ Dunnigan. He played more snaps than anyone and did it at full speed. He hade multiple PBUs and a physical TFL. Omar Thornton plays at a different speed when it’s full contact and throws his body around like a missile. Cortez Redding had a nice pick during 1on1s.

- OJ Frederique and Xavier Lucas played limited snaps and Damari Brown was out. This created opportunities for guys like Brody Jennings and Antoine and they looked the part. The QBs were forced to check down often and many of the catches were closely contested.

Overall, the intensity was good and the talent is obvious. One of the keys this summer will be getting more guys ready to play on the offensive line and continuing to find tone-setters on defense. On a side note, it was great seeing all the CanesInSight members out there. Your support is appreciated. Go Canes.

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Comments (135)

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Hoyacane1620

Today at 5:10 PM

Shooter McGavin said:
I’m sorry what? He’s our best db??? Since when?

another greentree myth

Hoyacane1620

Today at 5:12 PM

Memnon said:
In this Offense, in order to feature the TE more, that's going to take targets away from MToney, because that's the Y position.

It's an Inside-Out Offense where the primary route 80% of the time is the Slot-Y.

I imagine most of the people griping about the TE's lack of usage would also simultaneously be up in arms about not featuring MToney on every play.

Ultimately, it's really the QB's decision.

The TE's get plenty of burn & run routes every time they're on the field on pass plays (where they're not just blocking), it's up to the QB to decide where he wants to go with the ball.

yes. And Cam chose Arroyo a decent amount of the time.

Pentagon Cane

Today at 5:26 PM

Memnon said:
Whose targets do you want cut in half & for which TE do you want them cut in half for?

Exactly. The WR room is stacked. TE will be opportunistic and timely. The seam pass to Lofton against Ole Miss was huge.

Today at 5:32 PM

Hoyacane1620 said:
not sure why you got so many downvotes. You are right. He's always hurt. He'll be a body on the bench again most likely

No, he is wrong and so are you. He was injured his sophomore year and redshirted to regain his health. He missed a few games down the stretch of the playoffs last year. He was literally honorable mention All-ACC last year.

He is playing it safe / still recovering from the injuries that kept him outta the playoffs. The guys who they already know what they can do weren’t out there—which is why Damari wasn’t.

Ain’t no again because he has been getting burn since he got here.

Last edited: Today at 5:44 PM

rsa coral gables

Today at 5:35 PM

Schuylkill County Cane said:
Did Lowe play?

He wasn’t at the game

bdub2284

Today at 5:42 PM

I do worry about McCoy in pass pro at RT. He can do the job as a run blocker but he had a tough time dealing with speed and burst off the edge from what I saw yesterday. Hopefully a guy like Merriweather is back for fall camp to push & compete with McCoy. I know Wilkerson has been working as the 2nd team LT, but with Mirabal cross training guys, I wonder if he gets any work at RT.

I think Jaboree Antoine is in line to play major snaps with Damari still having issues with his foot. We're also going to need guys like Chris Ewald and Brody Jennings to keep developing because we'll need that quality depth at CB if we want to make a deep run at the CFP.

Allabouttheu95

Today at 6:42 PM

bdub2284 said:
I do worry about McCoy in pass pro at RT. He can do the job as a run blocker but he had a tough time dealing with speed and burst off the edge from what I saw yesterday. Hopefully a guy like Merriweather is back for fall camp to push & compete with McCoy. I know Wilkerson has been working as the 2nd team LT, but with Mirabal cross training guys, I wonder if he gets any work at RT.

I think Jaboree Antoine is in line to play major snaps with Damari still having issues with his foot. We're also going to need guys like Chris Ewald and Brody Jennings to keep developing because we'll need that quality depth at CB if we want to make a deep run at the CFP.

It’s been said by others but I do agree he needs to shed weight to play tackle. I hope we see that body transformation by fall camp

SpringsCane

Today at 6:56 PM

Hoyacane1620 said:
Memnon said:

In this Offense, in order to feature the TE more, that's going to take targets away from MToney, because that's the Y position.

It's an Inside-Out Offense where the primary route 80% of the time is the Slot-Y.

I imagine most of the people griping about the TE's lack of usage would also simultaneously be up in arms about not featuring MToney on every play.

Ultimately, it's really the QB's decision.

The TE's get plenty of burn & run routes every time they're on the field on pass plays (where they're not just blocking), it's up to the QB to decide where he wants to go with the ball.

Click to expand...

yes. And Cam chose Arroyo a decent amount of the time.

Think it’s fair to say minus X, arroyo was our 2nd or 3rd best option that year with cam. No matter who the TE is on this years squad, I’m not sure that said TE is even a top 4 best option

OrangeBowlMagic

44 minutes ago

skyman said:
Every scheme is different and ask of its players differently, I think a 4 year player in money year can do what was asked of Mesidor (He wasnt setting a hard edge every play).. Dline will be fine, definitely not #1 spot worry.. Open to being wrong but have hard time seeing a veteran player just unable to do his job, I expect him to blow up, his skillset and motivation is gonna be next level.

Respectfully, watch the film. Mesi was ragdolling dudes at the LOS. That’s not Wilson’s game. Let’s be rational here, I’m not saying he’s getting driven into the bench every snap. He’s a **** of a player. I’m sky high on him this season as far as productivity. He’s an NFL player. He’s good. But we were so good against the run last year because our kids stood OL the **** up at the LOS. That’s not what Lightfoot and Wilson do best. Again, we gotta have context. You don’t have to be prime John Randle or Lichtenstein out there. Most guys are in the middle. I’m just telling you, Wilson and Lightfoot are not gonna control the edge the way 3 and 4 did. And that’s fine, it doesn’t mean the defense falls off a cliff. But if you could get Hetherman in a closed room off the record, he’d tell you his challenge this year is to produce the same run defense after losing 2 of the best defenders we’ve ever had.

There are ways to scheme it. Also, guess what makes your run defense better? Scoring 28 points in the first half on offense. But teams are going to run right at those 2 kids and make them hold up, whereas that wasn’t an option last year. So it’s a concern. Doesn’t mean it’s a crippling weakness that kills the entire team. But it’s a problem we need to address and fix. That’s just keeping it real. Those 2 kids will need to play possessed, and they’ll need help. On 3rd and 3 last year, 3 and 4 were in the game. Will Wilson and Lightfoot be this year? I’m not sure that’s your best method of attack. I’m very interested to see how it plays out the first month. Because if I’m on OC, I’m running heavy at both those kids and seeing if they can hold up and if chase smith can fill. It’s something every team deals with when they replace some of the best talents they’ve ever had. That’s why we pay our coaches and our players. I’m just telling you the kids who we feel will be the starters, that’s not their strength.

S
skyman

35 minutes ago

OrangeBowlMagic said:
Respectfully, watch the film. Mesi was ragdolling dudes at the LOS. That’s not Wilson’s game. Let’s be rational here, I’m not saying he’s getting driven into the bench every snap. He’s a **** of a player. I’m sky high on him this season as far as productivity. He’s an NFL player. He’s good. But we were so good against the run last year because our kids stood OL the **** up at the LOS. That’s not what Lightfoot and Wilson do best. Again, we gotta have context. You don’t have to be prime John Randle or Lichtenstein out there. Most guys are in the middle. I’m just telling you, Wilson and Lightfoot are not gonna control the edge the way 3 and 4 did. And that’s fine, it doesn’t mean the defense falls off a cliff. But if you could get Hetherman in a closed room off the record, he’d tell you his challenge this year is to produce the same run defense after losing 2 of the best defenders we’ve ever had.

There are ways to scheme it. Also, guess what makes your run defense better? Scoring 28 points in the first half on offense. But teams are going to run right at those 2 kids and make them hold up, whereas that wasn’t an option last year. So it’s a concern. Doesn’t mean it’s a crippling weakness that kills the entire team. But it’s a problem we need to address and fix. That’s just keeping it real. Those 2 kids will need to play possessed, and they’ll need help. On 3rd and 3 last year, 3 and 4 were in the game. Will Wilson and Lightfoot be this year? I’m not sure that’s your best method of attack. I’m very interested to see how it plays out the first month. Because if I’m on OC, I’m running heavy at both those kids and seeing if they can hold up and if chase smith can fill. It’s something every team deals with when they replace some of the best talents they’ve ever had. That’s why we pay our coaches and our players. I’m just telling you the kids who we feel will be the starters, that’s not their strength.

Never even think of lightfoot and that would change things, I saw Blount playing other side.. But you got it..

OrangeBowlMagic

26 minutes ago

skyman said:
Never even think of lightfoot and that would change things, I saw Blount playing other side.. But you got it..

Lightfoot is a **** dog. He’s gotta play a lot and he will. And I know he put on some weight, but he is NOT Mesi and Bain. That’s ok. I’m just telling you, if you have him and Wilson on the edges at the same time, that’s a **** of a combo, but those are pass rushers. Those are elite athletes at that position. That’s not 2 grown men who are standing tackles and tight ends up, shedding, and pushing plays inside. Those kids get vertical. Thats what they do. In passing situations? Good luck bro. We are gonna be top 10 in the country in sacks (or pressures, which I think is more impactful). When we get you in 3rd and long, goodnight. Because Wilson is gonna EAT. And Lightfoot isn’t far behind. So the key this year is to build leads and make teams one dimensional. If we do that, lights out. But early in games, it’ll have to be by committee.

I think someone posted a thread a bit back about their most important players or something like that. Or someone they’re most interested to see. My pick was Blount. Because that dude has the body and motor to replicate what 3 and 4 could do. I’m not gonna say it’s some seamless transition, that’s not fair. But if he can get on the edge in certain situations and hold up, and I fully believe he can, that unlocks a ton in how Hetherman can scheme this defense similarly to how he did last year. I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Calinative

14 minutes ago

Memnon said:
In this Offense, in order to feature the TE more, that's going to take targets away from MToney, because that's the Y position.

It's an Inside-Out Offense where the primary route 80% of the time is the Slot-Y.

I imagine most of the people griping about the TE's lack of usage would also simultaneously be up in arms about not featuring MToney on every play.

Ultimately, it's really the QB's decision.

The TE's get plenty of burn & run routes every time they're on the field on pass plays (where they're not just blocking), it's up to the QB to decide where he wants to go with the ball.

With this group we better be running 10 and basically no 12

supacane

12 minutes ago

Other than '22 when Cristobal just came in, we have had a good to great OL. TVD was throwing picks with no a defender close to him in '23.

They switch the players around until they find the right combination. They have the bodies to build a proper OL. Not worried about it.

They have all summer and fall camp to figure what they are doing there. Not worried.

The TE position is the one where am like wtf. 5 years is enough time to sort it out. I don't like how they are used. For example, if someone is not a great blocker, line them up sometimes as a conventional WR or as a Fullback. Be creative por favor

Jonnyblaze

10 minutes ago

Is Lofton still hurt?

S
skyman

8 minutes ago

Jonnyblaze said:
Is Lofton still hurt?

Idk if thats the excuse going around now but he not missing any meals I tell you that much..

supacane

7 minutes ago

OrangeBowlMagic said:
Respectfully, watch the film. Mesi was ragdolling dudes at the LOS. That’s not Wilson’s game. Let’s be rational here, I’m not saying he’s getting driven into the bench every snap. He’s a **** of a player. I’m sky high on him this season as far as productivity. He’s an NFL player. He’s good. But we were so good against the run last year because our kids stood OL the **** up at the LOS. That’s not what Lightfoot and Wilson do best. Again, we gotta have context. You don’t have to be prime John Randle or Lichtenstein out there. Most guys are in the middle. I’m just telling you, Wilson and Lightfoot are not gonna control the edge the way 3 and 4 did. And that’s fine, it doesn’t mean the defense falls off a cliff. But if you could get Hetherman in a closed room off the record, he’d tell you his challenge this year is to produce the same run defense after losing 2 of the best defenders we’ve ever had.

There are ways to scheme it. Also, guess what makes your run defense better? Scoring 28 points in the first half on offense. But teams are going to run right at those 2 kids and make them hold up, whereas that wasn’t an option last year. So it’s a concern. Doesn’t mean it’s a crippling weakness that kills the entire team. But it’s a problem we need to address and fix. That’s just keeping it real. Those 2 kids will need to play possessed, and they’ll need help. On 3rd and 3 last year, 3 and 4 were in the game. Will Wilson and Lightfoot be this year? I’m not sure that’s your best method of attack. I’m very interested to see how it plays out the first month. Because if I’m on OC, I’m running heavy at both those kids and seeing if they can hold up and if chase smith can fill. It’s something every team deals with when they replace some of the best talents they’ve ever had. That’s why we pay our coaches and our players. I’m just telling you the kids who we feel will be the starters, that’s not their strength.

Its true, that's what we did to the edge at A&M. He couldn't do anything against Bell. What i think they will do, is probably have a heavy package with Blount at end and maybe the Nebraska transfer at the other end. Of course am guessing, but Lightfoot and Wilson will not be holding any edges if the play is coming right at them.