Regardless of what forty times have been reported Feathers has serious speed when he gets to the outside. The freshmen who stood out today were Matt Akers, Logan Harrell, Justin Webber, and Jermaine Thomas. Matt Akers and Logan Harrell both worked out on the defensive line today. They both showed their speed and power during rushing drills. It is obvious that both of these men already have the talent to be playing college football. It would be no surprise to see them on the field against Rutgers. Both of these men help to shore up a defensive line that many felt would be a question mark this season.
With respect to the Running Back position Justin Webber was impressive today. Although he is not the biggest of running backs he has speed and vision. Webber’s biggest attribute may be the fact that he can change direction on a dime causing the first defensive player to miss nearly every time. Michael Harris continues to shine as he has been able to show speed to the outside one play after another. Both of these RB’s may not contribute this season but they are making the future here at Fresno State look bright.
The secondary today was tested in eleven on eleven drills as most plays were play action roll outs to either the left or right side. On the first play Feathers looked left and released a pass to Jevon Stallworth that Jermaine Thomas jumped the route on. Had he caught the ball it would have been six. Thomas has great instincts at the corner position and seems to be around the ball each time it is thrown. On a side note Pat Hill had an exchange with Ryan Skidmore that can only be described as comical. During running back drills Skidmore jumped the count but blocked the defensive end perfectly eventually throwing him to the ground. Pat looked at Skidmore and told him that it was a five yard penalty. He then followed it up by saying that the situation is just like a long foul ball that nearly misses being a homerun. While it looks good it doesn’t so anything for the team but cost them yards.
After the freshmen were finished the veterans came out and took the field. Ryan Colburn took first team snaps today as Tom Brandstater was not present. Robert Malone was absolutely bombing punts today as he registered at least three that traveled fifty-five yards in the air. Kevin Goessling has also shown great accuracy. Even when Goessling misses from over fifty yards he kicks the ball straight. As far as the veterans go Chris Carter is looking very impressive in the LB role. Carter has the speed and size to wreak havoc against any offense. Carter still needs time to get back into the swing of things with respect to LB but he looks to fit the role perfectly. Sean Plummer looks to be quite physical in the LB role as well. In fact every LB looks to have both side and speed on their side. Austin Raphael is a tall LB who seems to be able to hold his own at the position. While the Bulldogs may be thin at LB each of these men has shown the skills needed to get the job done. If they continue to work together BB.C is confident that they will do a great job shoring up the LB position.
Practice ended with offense vs. defense drills without either line. Damion Owens made a great read on a Matt Faulkner pass to Drew Lubinsky knocking the ball out of his hands as soon as he came down with it. The corners on this team have continually stepped up to the challenge and I don’t see any reason why they will not do the same exact thing when the season begins.
Practice Notes
Tom Brandstater was not present at practice today. Matt Faulkner and Ryan Colburn practiced with the veterans.
Ryan Skidmore looked to be sick but he played well today. He seems to be coming along well with respect to the blocking schemes a TE must face.
Justin Webber had a great practice. He has shown great change and direction and speed up to this point in practice.
Logan Harrell, Chase McEntee, Matt Akers, and Anthony Williams will see time on the field this season. They are too good to sit.
Robert Malone is punting well. During punt drills he commonly kicked the ball 45-50 yards.
The mood at practice has been amazing. This team looks like they know what is ahead of them and are serious about having an amazing season.