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Here are some quick thoughts from today’s practice. More complete thoughts from me and Ahmmon in the video below:
- I really think by Week 5, people will be complaining that we need to feed our tight ends more. These guys are extremely athletic. I’ll let others hype my guy Elija Lofton, but he had a big day today. Israel Briggs is unique because he is a tight end with the ability to separate vertically and laterally. During the open period of practice, he stumbled and was still able to regain his balance and make a big play down the field in rhythm. High-end movement skills. He also made plays during the closed portion. Based on his weight game, the way he carries himself, and his skill set, I expect him to be a big part of the 2026 offense. Gavin Mueller also made some nice catches over the middle as a 6’5, 260-pound target.
- Ahmmon joked that there should be a segment called GlazeInSight because I always fixate on a couple freshmen every camp. In 2024, it was Lofton and OJ Frederique. In 2025, it was Malachi Toney and Bryce Fitzgerald. This year, it’s Briggs and JJ Dunnigan.
Dunnigan can do everything in the secondary. During the open period, he ran with Josh Moore down the sideline and broke up a well-thrown vertical shot. In the closed period, he ranged for INTs and blew up numerous plays by the line. And for a guy with so many gifts, he practiced extremely hard and finishes everything. If he keeps working hard, he has a Kyle Hamilton/Minkah Fitzpatrick type skillset.
- The offensive line continues to rotate heavily. Competition is heavy and there is a huge infusion of talent from the 2026 class. It seems they are focused on finding the best line for November and not just the opening game. The linemen are all working multiple spots.
- One player who is even better than I thought: DT Jarquez Carter. I knew he’d be athletic, but he is thick and powerful as well. Our interior rush should be a problem for offenses.
- I really think by Week 5, people will be complaining that we need to feed our tight ends more. These guys are extremely athletic. I’ll let others hype my guy Elija Lofton, but he had a big day today. Israel Briggs is unique because he is a tight end with the ability to separate vertically and laterally. During the open period of practice, he stumbled and was still able to regain his balance and make a big play down the field in rhythm. High-end movement skills. He also made plays during the closed portion. Based on his weight game, the way he carries himself, and his skill set, I expect him to be a big part of the 2026 offense. Gavin Mueller also made some nice catches over the middle as a 6’5, 260-pound target.
- Ahmmon joked that there should be a segment called GlazeInSight because I always fixate on a couple freshmen every camp. In 2024, it was Lofton and OJ Frederique. In 2025, it was Malachi Toney and Bryce Fitzgerald. This year, it’s Briggs and JJ Dunnigan.
Dunnigan can do everything in the secondary. During the open period, he ran with Josh Moore down the sideline and broke up a well-thrown vertical shot. In the closed period, he ranged for INTs and blew up numerous plays by the line. And for a guy with so many gifts, he practiced extremely hard and finishes everything. If he keeps working hard, he has a Kyle Hamilton/Minkah Fitzpatrick type skillset.
- The offensive line continues to rotate heavily. Competition is heavy and there is a huge infusion of talent from the 2026 class. It seems they are focused on finding the best line for November and not just the opening game. The linemen are all working multiple spots.
- One player who is even better than I thought: DT Jarquez Carter. I knew he’d be athletic, but he is thick and powerful as well. Our interior rush should be a problem for offenses.
