Just finished up watching Thursday's practice which was held on the HDC practice fields in full pads. Here are some of my thoughts from today:
- Started with the Oklahoma drill again following warmups. Not quite as much explosive excitement as last time but the guys still loved it. I think there were less clear cut winners this time for them to get jacked up about, although it did seem the defense may have gotten the better of it overall based on their reactions
- I watched the OL for a while today and was very impressed with Shane Lemieux, Calvin Throckmorton and Jake Hanson. Those three guys are moving very well and look exactly like you want your high level D-1 OL to look. Very nice strength yet they have acceptable flexibility.
- Overall given the depth and talent, this OL group has the opportunity to be the best in Duck history. But they will have to play very well this year to prove it because there have been some excellent Duck lines over the years.
- I'm the last guy in the world who likes to be critical of players but as an analyst I'm not doing my job if I completely avoid it. So I'm just going to throw out there that I did not like what I saw out of Juwan Johnson's hands today. He did not hold onto the ball in the drills I watched like he needs to. Yes, the balls thrown his way were not perfect, but he needs to catch balls he gets two hands on. Hoping he's learning to relax and getting those out of his system now.
- I believe I said this in a report last week but the Stud LB group is very exciting. I really don't know how they will shake out on the depth chart but from what I have seen from them so far this spring I give the following grades to them: Bryson Young B+, DJ Johnson B, Mase Funa B. So although Johnson has an extra year in the system vs. Funa, Funa is very strong and quicker. Johnson has about 15 pounds and some length on Funa. Overall if the season started today, I see Young as the Stud starter but a toss up between Johnson and Funa for the other snaps.
- Last thing I have for you today is Dru Mathis. I'm impressed with him. I think he will be helpful this year, although he won't be a starter. He could start for half the Pac-12 teams though.
- Interviews with Arroyo and Avalos around noon today.
- Practice is closed Friday and Saturday then the team has Sunday and Monday off. Next practice report will be Tuesday.
- All for now.
