The Defense was Swarming
As I mentioned in my Spring Game preview, I was looking to see how the defense would look after the adjustments to the strength and conditioning program that were introduced by Matt Balis and Dave Ballou. It’s too early to see a big change in the strength of the defensive line, but we should have at least seen a difference in the way that the front seven swarm to the ball, and we did. The front seven of both units moved much faster and got after the quarterbacks in the backfield. Part of this is due to the changes in the strength and conditioning program, but also to Mike Elko simplifying the scheme and allowing these guys to play faster. The ability to recognize the play develop and to react quickly should make this defense much more fun to watch come this fall.
There Are Some Playmakers on Both Sides of the Ball
The first one that comes to mind is Dexter Williams. He broke out a couple of big runs and has an incredible first step which can get him out of the reach of the first defender and allow him to eat up yards. He looks scary, especially to Josh Adams as he could end up taking a lot of his carries if he can remain out of the doghouse.
Speaking of the doghouse, Kevin Stepherson looks to be making it his permanent residence as he put in a Jekyll and Hyde performance on the day. There were some routes that he ran perfectly and was in positions to make a play. Then there were also plays where he was out of position and was getting an earful from Brian Kelly and Brian Polian from the sidelines. This goes to further illustrate the point of Stepherson not being completely dialed in when he needs to be. CJ Sanders is another player who may also be in the doghouse who showed some more big play ability which we all know he has. Sanders himself reeled in a 37 yard touchdown on a go route from Ian Book.
Chase Claypool had a coming out party on the day. He showed us why he was rated so highly coming out of high school as he has the size of a tight end but can run routes like most slot receivers can’t. The route running and speed that Claypool showed will make it difficult for the coaching staff to keep him off the field.
Daelin Hayes would be the defensive equivalent to Claypool. Hayes played in a limited capacity last year, but put in a performance that warranted his high ranking in high school. He was lining up all over the front seven and was exploding at the snap of the ball. Hayes looked impressive and made several plays on the day. It will be exciting to see what he could do in a full time starting role.
Drue Tranquill looks every bit like a captain. In person, he looks much more physically imposing and someone who looks like he has been taking full advantage of the new strength and conditioning program. On the field he looked alert and aware. Tranquill was always in the right position, jamming the larger receivers on the line of scrimmage, and moving well in the rover position which allowed him to assist in plays. This could end up being a big year for him in this new defense should he stay healthy.
Tony Jones Jr. looks like a full grown man. The sophomore runningback brings back memories of powerbacks of the recent past such as Robert Hughes and Jonas Gray. Jones showed ability as a runner, receiver, and blocker although much remains to be seen. If he is as talented as the coaches have said in their praise of him, then he could steal some serious carries and make it a strong 3-man rotation at runningback.
Last, Isaiah Robertson is an early enrollee who could end up making a difference as a true freshman. Robertson showed that he already has the athleticism to make plays and the sharpness to get on the field. He will be competing with a very deep safety position , albeit one without the elite playmakers who have made the starting jobs theirs.
Image used with permission from IrishSportsDaily.com.