After months of waiting for Hurricane football, the first week of fall camp flew by as week two got underway this morning. It was a shortened media portion with only segments 1-4 allowed for viewing as the team begins to dial in schematically with full pads and contact looming. But as always, the VIP's in Ahmmon Richards and DMoney were able to watch the entirety of practice and offer some big-picture notes.
Here's some tidbits from myself, Ahmmon and @DMoney on what we saw today from the Canes.
- The competitiveness between the sides continues to bubble as position battles remain close. With the team still only in "uppers," expect these battles to become more clear as we get closer to live football in the scrimmages where the real stars rise --- especially in positions where game speed is needed like linebacker.
- Speaking of linebackers, Bobby Pruitt had an impressive showing today. Now rocking the number four and focused in on linebacker play instead of being a hybrid at the safety position as well, his added weight has allowed paired well with his ability to always be involved in a play.
- As each practice goes on, the confidence and timing for Mensah continues to soar. It's evident his timing is much farther ahead when comparing him to a Carson Beck who missed the Spring last season and just relied on a handful of targets. Mensah still has guys he "relies" on (Toney and Barkate), but he retains that connection with the entire WR and especially the TE room.
- JJ Dunnigan continues to be the talk of the town. The Kansas product moves so effortlessly on the field, but his instincts to make a hit and disrupt a play are where he makes his money. Ahmmon compared him to a Kyle Hamilton with his blend of physicality and ball-playing ability. Miami's safety room with Dunnigan, Zechariah Poyser, Bryce Fitzgerald and Omar Thornton creates a fun problem of trying to get them all on the field.
- With the loss of Hayden Lowe, the Hurricanes were left without a larger body type in the edge rushing room. And while both Keona Davis and Armondo Blount don't exactly fill that mold, I've repeatedly said that the Canes are looking to replace losses in the aggregate. Both will contribute as tackles and edge rushers, bringing versatility to both rooms with their power on the line.
- The depth of UM's running back room HAS to be utilized. Whether it's single-back, duo or pistol, Shannon Dawson will have multiple options to gameplan with and best set the team up for gameday. Having such distinct rushing attacks with the power of Mark Fletcher Jr., the speed of Girard Pringle and everything in between is such a weapon. Keep in mind the guy who won the RB1 spot last season, Jordan Lyle, is now healthy and itching to get a chance.
- While the TE room is clearly more athletic than last years side, the loss of Luka Gilbert to injury takes away a crucial blocking peice. There's a clear focus from the staff on developing the room as blockers, but none have "wowed" me so far. I'd monitor how this develops.
- While media was limited to only indy and install periods, we got the chance to see the secondary work on blitz packages. Last season I mentioned how good Keionte Scott looked in these settings, and I'm intrigued to watch who takes over that role. I'd bet on one of the four safties listed above to slot in there.
- It feels like there isn't much chatter about certain high-profile players, and honestly that's a good thing. There just isn't much to report on professionals continuing to do their thing. Returning players such as Fletcher, Mo Toure and Xavier Lucas among a handful of others continue to have a good camp. Lucas in particular has slimmed down and been right at the sharp edge with OJ Frederique.
Watch the full VIP and Instant Reactions below:
Here's some tidbits from myself, Ahmmon and @DMoney on what we saw today from the Canes.
- The competitiveness between the sides continues to bubble as position battles remain close. With the team still only in "uppers," expect these battles to become more clear as we get closer to live football in the scrimmages where the real stars rise --- especially in positions where game speed is needed like linebacker.
- Speaking of linebackers, Bobby Pruitt had an impressive showing today. Now rocking the number four and focused in on linebacker play instead of being a hybrid at the safety position as well, his added weight has allowed paired well with his ability to always be involved in a play.
- As each practice goes on, the confidence and timing for Mensah continues to soar. It's evident his timing is much farther ahead when comparing him to a Carson Beck who missed the Spring last season and just relied on a handful of targets. Mensah still has guys he "relies" on (Toney and Barkate), but he retains that connection with the entire WR and especially the TE room.
- JJ Dunnigan continues to be the talk of the town. The Kansas product moves so effortlessly on the field, but his instincts to make a hit and disrupt a play are where he makes his money. Ahmmon compared him to a Kyle Hamilton with his blend of physicality and ball-playing ability. Miami's safety room with Dunnigan, Zechariah Poyser, Bryce Fitzgerald and Omar Thornton creates a fun problem of trying to get them all on the field.
- With the loss of Hayden Lowe, the Hurricanes were left without a larger body type in the edge rushing room. And while both Keona Davis and Armondo Blount don't exactly fill that mold, I've repeatedly said that the Canes are looking to replace losses in the aggregate. Both will contribute as tackles and edge rushers, bringing versatility to both rooms with their power on the line.
- The depth of UM's running back room HAS to be utilized. Whether it's single-back, duo or pistol, Shannon Dawson will have multiple options to gameplan with and best set the team up for gameday. Having such distinct rushing attacks with the power of Mark Fletcher Jr., the speed of Girard Pringle and everything in between is such a weapon. Keep in mind the guy who won the RB1 spot last season, Jordan Lyle, is now healthy and itching to get a chance.
- While the TE room is clearly more athletic than last years side, the loss of Luka Gilbert to injury takes away a crucial blocking peice. There's a clear focus from the staff on developing the room as blockers, but none have "wowed" me so far. I'd monitor how this develops.
- While media was limited to only indy and install periods, we got the chance to see the secondary work on blitz packages. Last season I mentioned how good Keionte Scott looked in these settings, and I'm intrigued to watch who takes over that role. I'd bet on one of the four safties listed above to slot in there.
- It feels like there isn't much chatter about certain high-profile players, and honestly that's a good thing. There just isn't much to report on professionals continuing to do their thing. Returning players such as Fletcher, Mo Toure and Xavier Lucas among a handful of others continue to have a good camp. Lucas in particular has slimmed down and been right at the sharp edge with OJ Frederique.
Watch the full VIP and Instant Reactions below:
