The Bank (scrimmage edition)

[QSTOKES]

This feels like 2016 Miami or 2018 Oregon to me. Established QB, holes that need to be filled in recruiting.

We will be better but I look for the big leap in Year 2.

With who as QB?

 

[TriStarCane]

Me lookin for a Brashard Smith mention in any camp report

 

[CANEMC]

Best staff in ACC, and the only ACC team with more or as much talent is Clemson. Definitely fuggin fuggin.

 

[Canesforfame]

 

[CANEMC]

Ppl forget Brinson was beating Jason Marshall all night just had bad passes thrown to him, he will be a problem especially if we give him some routes in the slot

6’2 deep threat! Think H.Copeland...

 

[Boarcane]

I heard addae has told people he’s only going to be here a year or two. I’m sure that doesn’t help with recruiting. But from what I’ve heard he sure can coach. Need DVD to help step it up with our db recruiting.

Yes he’ll leave to be a DC. No we don’t need DVD to step into anything, until/if he grows up. He’s definitely not ready

 

[FrancisSawyer]

So:

- No serious injuries, one minor one.

- First team OL, even without Zion, isn’t dead meat. Work in progress sure, but not five walking headstones.

- DL is going to be the deepest in a decade, maybe longer. No more hanging on for dear life once the studs rotate out. Everyone will actually eat.

- TVD can still throw the ball, despite concerns Gattis was going to amputate his arm. And he can throw in a moving pocket (which I’m curious to see how often this is intentionally done).

- I am glad to see Knighton staking out the top spot. Kid has so much talent was used like a Ferrari trying to haul cement bricks last year once everyone else went down.

- WR development is TBD, but showing some promise. I doubt anyone is where Rambo was at this stage of camp, but Rambo took several weeks to show up. In fact Key looked better through the first several games than Bo did.

- LBs have to prove it to me but it just makes football sense that less porous DL play will make them all better. Trickle down economics of football. Same with DBs.

Alright, I guess we should play the season after all.

"Knighton was used like a Ferrari hauling bricks last year after everyone went down".

Dude, that's an incredible analogy!

 

[Udynasty]

Yes he’ll leave to be a DC. No we don’t need DVD to step into anything, until/if he grows up. He’s definitely not ready

knowledge wise? or just character maturity?

 

[Boarcane]

knowledge wise? or just character maturity?

Maturity

 

[Gocanes1990]

Yes he’ll leave to be a DC. No we don’t need DVD to step into anything, until/if he grows up. He’s definitely not ready

Plenty of great coaches for DBs for us to pick from. I hope Addae does well enough to move on. I like Nick Monroe from Cuse and the DB coach from BC

 

[JHallCanes]

So:

- No serious injuries, one minor one.

- First team OL, even without Zion, isn’t dead meat. Work in progress sure, but not five walking headstones.

- DL is going to be the deepest in a decade, maybe longer. No more hanging on for dear life once the studs rotate out. Everyone will actually eat.

- TVD can still throw the ball, despite concerns Gattis was going to amputate his arm. And he can throw in a moving pocket (which I’m curious to see how often this is intentionally done).

- I am glad to see Knighton staking out the top spot. Kid has so much talent was used like a Ferrari trying to haul cement bricks last year once everyone else went down.

- WR development is TBD, but showing some promise. I doubt anyone is where Rambo was at this stage of camp, but Rambo took several weeks to show up. In fact Key looked better through the first several games than Bo did.

- LBs have to prove it to me but it just makes football sense that less porous DL play will make them all better. Trickle down economics of football. Same with DBs.

Alright, I guess we should play the season after all.

**** yes to all

One thing I really am intrigued about is how X and the TEs can work the middle of the field, plus the backs in the flats

I’m not an expert on Gattis but from what I’ve seen this should help the receivers on the outside get 1 on 1 for deep plays

I think that’s why Mario kept harping on needing guys to go up and make a play because the O is going to have those chances a lot

 

[FrancisSawyer]

Yes he’ll leave to be a DC. No we don’t need DVD to step into anything, until/if he grows up. He’s definitely not ready

This is where Mario comes in. You see, our HC is smarter than your average bear. Addae stays for 2 seasons and in the meantime Mario is observing the situation up in Gainesville. You see, Mario knows that Corey Raymond should be getting fed up with G5 Billy and that amateur hour at UF. Addae leaves and Mario gets Raymond.

 

[AK_Cane]

The Bank is open on Sundays. Below is a position-by-position deep dive on yesterday's scrimmage based on numerous conversations with sources.

QB

Tyler Van Dyke has complete mental command of the offense. He knows where he is going with the ball on every play, which makes him difficult to blitz (he hit a short TD pass to Keyshawn Smith on the first drive facing heavy pressure). He also made a spectacular throw rolling right driving the ball to Xavier Restrepo on third down. I have no doubt he will be very efficient this year. The next step is unlocking the explosive passing game he excelled in last year. That will be a focus the remainder of camp. Jake Garcia had moments with the second team, including a read-option TD and a nice read on a TD pass to Don Chaney in the flats. He is the clear #2. Jacurri Brown showed off his legs on a long TD run that would have been a score in full-contact. He also floated a pretty pass under pressure up the seam to Isaiah Horton, who made a nice adjustment to the ball. He also hit Colbie Young deep between two defenders. Jacurri's consistency is still a serious issue (along with the relative talent on the third-team offense), but you see flashes.

RB

At this point in camp, the clear top two tailbacks are Jaylan Knighton and Henry Parrish. They receive the majority of the first team carries and have the most proven production on tape. The battle for the big back spot remains open. As has been widely reported, TreVonte' Citizen got nicked up early. This gave plenty of opportunities for Don Chaney and Thad Franklin. Both showed flashes, with Chaney catching a TD and Franklin making a couple nice chunk runs (including one where he reversed field and made the backside DE miss). That will be a battle to watch as camp continues- there was no definitive statement yesterday. Injuries are always dicey to report on, but at least one source was optimistic Citizen only suffered a hyperextended knee.

TE

This position was relatively quiet by their standards. Jaleel Skinner routed up Keyshawn Washington for a TD from Brown in 7on7. Dominic Mamarrelli had the lead block to spring Brown on his TD run. Kahlil Brantley has some uncharacteristic drops but got snaps with the 1s.

WR

This battle continues. Restrepo and TVD are good friends and he is clearly the go-to guy on third down. He made various conversions, and his 200+ RB build gives him an after-the-catch dimension that is different than Mike Harley and Braxton Berrios as a slot receiver. Keyshawn Smith has had some strong practices lately (including a long TD in Thursday's padded practices) but was relatively quiet. Mike Redding continues to get some first-team burn. The twitchiest WR is still Romello Brinson. His ability to separate stands out, and he drew a PI in the end zone against Tyrique Stevenson.

OL

Something to keep in mind when reading reports about the OL: the second and third team DL are far ahead of the second and third team OL. Injuries have something to do with that. So while the DL's dominance can blow up the offense at times, it's not always against the 6-8 OL who are actually going to play. It could be a walk-on going against a blue-chipper. The DL will play a lot more players, so it's a good thing they have that depth.

With that said, the DL won the day and made it particularly tough on the second and third team offense. Left tackle continues to be a battle between John Campbell and Jalen Rivers. Both show talent and Rivers in particular flashes tremendous progress. The LG is Justice Oluwasean, the C is Jakai Clark, the RG is Logan Sagapolu and the RT is DJ Scaife. Injuries to Zion Nelson and Michael McClaughlin have opened up second-team opportunities at RT for Anez Cooper and Matthew McCoy. Both show flashes but Cooper has particularly interesting upside. He has a long way to go with pad level and technique, but he is absolutely massive and has surprisingly good feet to reach wide rushers and recover when he is out of position. He ragdolled Jabari Ishmael several yards on one dropback.

DL

As mentioned on the CanesInSight Podcast, this group is three units deep. It would take too long to name all of the players standing out here, so I will focus on a few who created a lot of buzz on Saturday. Akheem Mesidor was all over the field at DE and made multiple plays in the backfield. He brings a unique combination of slipperiness, instincts (high school LB) and overall motor. Jared Harrison-Hunte might be the top interior DL right now. He looks to have gained 15-20 pounds and is still an athletic terror on passing downs. He blew up multiple drives by himself. Darrell Jackson is a load on running plays and generates consistent knockback with long arms to extend.

A lot of guys made plays against the second and third team OL. Elijah Roberts in particular lived in the backfield as a DE. He's making a case for more playing time. Jake Lichtenstein had a few pressures. Allan Haye, Ahmad Moten and Jabari Ishmael all had moments. Moten looks the part physically of an SEC-type DT and had an explosive TFL.

LB

Good overall day behind a destructive DL. Waynmon Steed and Corey Flagg started and showed strong instincts. Caleb Johnson had a series where he made multiple tackles sideline to sideline and has the look of a starter by camp's end. Wesley Bissainthe and Chase Smith both flew off the edge for short-yardage tackles, with Bissainthe making consecutive goalline tackles on Chaney. Thomas Davis did most of his damage as a third-down edge rusher and is tough to deal with in that role.

DB

This group was strong as usual. Kam Kinchens had an INT on TVD under heavy pressure. Two upperclassmen defensive backs have separately praised Markeith Williams. He almost jumped a Jacurri pass. The corners were strong in coverage all night and usually won their battles. Isaiah Dunson made a beautiful open-field tackle on Knighton. Chris Graves also made a couple strong tackles.

Overall, every source commented on the physicality and improved tackling. This appears to be a stronger, tougher team than last year. The key will be tightening up the execution and identifying our playmakers. Someone like Charleston Rambo didn't really emerge until the third game. That will be the story the rest of camp.

Only words I came here to see MORE PHYSICAL! That's all I care about right now we have been such a muushy team in recent years. Always giving teams free yards. So thankful Steele makes team's earn every **** yard. Thank you sweet, little, teeny-tiny, baby Jesus

 

[Andrew]

Wanted to dislike for the "SEC" type DT.

I mean WTF is that?

A Vandy DT? A Miss St DT? A South Carolina DT? Tennessee DT?

Or you mean like Alabama and UGA?

I mean who needs to recruit at places like UF, when you have SEC slurpers on Miami sites like DMoney and Gaby?

Sometimes you just have to accept what it means to be SEC. Listening to high school games I often here terms like D1, power 5, and SEC. It's a pretty fair way to describe a recruit.

 

[gacaneaddict]

It’s the depth. Those teams have ten DL who look the part.

The biggest bag battles are for DL and the SEC has historically won those battles.

You know I'm busting your b*lls here, but like who has a better DL this year?

Miami or Miss St?
Miami or Ole Miss?
Miami or Kentucky?
Miami or Vandy?
Miami or UF?
Miami or Tennessee?

So on and on. Clemson DL would be the best in the SEC this year.

I get your point, but that term irritates me.

Like when Gaby gets on his pod and says Citzen is a SEC caliber RB.

I'm like no he is a Miami caliber RB.

You know the program that has 2 RB's in the top 12 all time leading NFL rushers, and 2 future hall of famers.

If you want to say he is an Alabama like something ok I can accept that ha. Maybe even Georgia now since Kirby has had his boosters pay for a top shelf roster.

 

[FrancisSawyer]

The Bank is open on Sundays. Below is a position-by-position deep dive on yesterday's scrimmage based on numerous conversations with sources.

QB

Tyler Van Dyke has complete mental command of the offense. He knows where he is going with the ball on every play, which makes him difficult to blitz (he hit a short TD pass to Keyshawn Smith on the first drive facing heavy pressure). He also made a spectacular throw rolling right driving the ball to Xavier Restrepo on third down. I have no doubt he will be very efficient this year. The next step is unlocking the explosive passing game he excelled in last year. That will be a focus the remainder of camp. Jake Garcia had moments with the second team, including a read-option TD and a nice read on a TD pass to Don Chaney in the flats. He is the clear #2. Jacurri Brown showed off his legs on a long TD run that would have been a score in full-contact. He also floated a pretty pass under pressure up the seam to Isaiah Horton, who made a nice adjustment to the ball. He also hit Colbie Young deep between two defenders. Jacurri's consistency is still a serious issue (along with the relative talent on the third-team offense), but you see flashes.

RB

At this point in camp, the clear top two tailbacks are Jaylan Knighton and Henry Parrish. They receive the majority of the first team carries and have the most proven production on tape. The battle for the big back spot remains open. As has been widely reported, TreVonte' Citizen got nicked up early. This gave plenty of opportunities for Don Chaney and Thad Franklin. Both showed flashes, with Chaney catching a TD and Franklin making a couple nice chunk runs (including one where he reversed field and made the backside DE miss). That will be a battle to watch as camp continues- there was no definitive statement yesterday. Injuries are always dicey to report on, but at least one source was optimistic Citizen only suffered a hyperextended knee.

TE

This position was relatively quiet by their standards. Jaleel Skinner routed up Keyshawn Washington for a TD from Brown in 7on7. Dominic Mamarrelli had the lead block to spring Brown on his TD run. Kahlil Brantley has some uncharacteristic drops but got snaps with the 1s.

WR

This battle continues. Restrepo and TVD are good friends and he is clearly the go-to guy on third down. He made various conversions, and his 200+ RB build gives him an after-the-catch dimension that is different than Mike Harley and Braxton Berrios as a slot receiver. Keyshawn Smith has had some strong practices lately (including a long TD in Thursday's padded practices) but was relatively quiet. Mike Redding continues to get some first-team burn. The twitchiest WR is still Romello Brinson. His ability to separate stands out, and he drew a PI in the end zone against Tyrique Stevenson.

OL

Something to keep in mind when reading reports about the OL: the second and third team DL are far ahead of the second and third team OL. Injuries have something to do with that. So while the DL's dominance can blow up the offense at times, it's not always against the 6-8 OL who are actually going to play. It could be a walk-on going against a blue-chipper. The DL will play a lot more players, so it's a good thing they have that depth.

With that said, the DL won the day and made it particularly tough on the second and third team offense. Left tackle continues to be a battle between John Campbell and Jalen Rivers. Both show talent and Rivers in particular flashes tremendous progress. The LG is Justice Oluwasean, the C is Jakai Clark, the RG is Logan Sagapolu and the RT is DJ Scaife. Injuries to Zion Nelson and Michael McClaughlin have opened up second-team opportunities at RT for Anez Cooper and Matthew McCoy. Both show flashes but Cooper has particularly interesting upside. He has a long way to go with pad level and technique, but he is absolutely massive and has surprisingly good feet to reach wide rushers and recover when he is out of position. He ragdolled Jabari Ishmael several yards on one dropback.

DL

As mentioned on the CanesInSight Podcast, this group is three units deep. It would take too long to name all of the players standing out here, so I will focus on a few who created a lot of buzz on Saturday. Akheem Mesidor was all over the field at DE and made multiple plays in the backfield. He brings a unique combination of slipperiness, instincts (high school LB) and overall motor. Jared Harrison-Hunte might be the top interior DL right now. He looks to have gained 15-20 pounds and is still an athletic terror on passing downs. He blew up multiple drives by himself. Darrell Jackson is a load on running plays and generates consistent knockback with long arms to extend.

A lot of guys made plays against the second and third team OL. Elijah Roberts in particular lived in the backfield as a DE. He's making a case for more playing time. Jake Lichtenstein had a few pressures. Allan Haye, Ahmad Moten and Jabari Ishmael all had moments. Moten looks the part physically of an SEC-type DT and had an explosive TFL.

LB

Good overall day behind a destructive DL. Waynmon Steed and Corey Flagg started and showed strong instincts. Caleb Johnson had a series where he made multiple tackles sideline to sideline and has the look of a starter by camp's end. Wesley Bissainthe and Chase Smith both flew off the edge for short-yardage tackles, with Bissainthe making consecutive goalline tackles on Chaney. Thomas Davis did most of his damage as a third-down edge rusher and is tough to deal with in that role.

DB

This group was strong as usual. Kam Kinchens had an INT on TVD under heavy pressure. Two upperclassmen defensive backs have separately praised Markeith Williams. He almost jumped a Jacurri pass. The corners were strong in coverage all night and usually won their battles. Isaiah Dunson made a beautiful open-field tackle on Knighton. Chris Graves also made a couple strong tackles.

Overall, every source commented on the physicality and improved tackling. This appears to be a stronger, tougher team than last year. The key will be tightening up the execution and identifying our playmakers. Someone like Charleston Rambo didn't really emerge until the third game. That will be the story the rest of camp.

Great job @DMoney

Anything on Jacolby George? I thought he had been coming on as of late! Also does Colby Young have game breaking speed or is he looked at as a red zone and possession guy?

 

[skyman]

Best staff in ACC, and the only ACC team with more or as much talent is Clemson. Definitely fuggin fuggin.

We dont have more talent than clemson.. Lol.. Chillllllll

 

[Papo]

The bank always delivers D.
Glad to hear about Redding, I still think he can be a factor.

 

[DMoney]

Great job @DMoney

Anything on Jacolby George? I thought he had been coming on as of late! Also does Colby Young have game breaking speed or is he looked at as a red zone and possession guy?

George will be in the mix all year. Young further to go, more of a big body than a game breaker.

I still like Brinson and George as the best overall talents. But they need to prove it on the field.

 

[TruCane81]

I’ve heard a few times from inside the building that T-Rob wasn’t as good a coach as billed.

I have a hard time believing that, since the minute he put his name in the hat, he ended up at Bama under Sabag and is back to reeling in 5* kids.

I now wonder if there really is some truth to this, since post Robinson, the DB’s are really stepping up.

Any thoughts here @DMoney?

It should be obvious Manny was the problem.

Regardless how good T Rob actually is, who was gonna miraculously make our corners play well in Manny’s defense?

It was all good with Golden's recruits, but deteriorated the more Manny got his fingerprints on the team. It happened at every level of the defense.