Mathews looks to score every time he touches the ball and it shows when he is on the field. He has determination and knows he has the ability to get through the line each time he is given the opportunity to do so. Today Mathews, Miller, and Harding all spent time working on screens and out patterns as they continue to develop passing hands. If these running backs can become threats receiving the ball that will force opposing defenses to work that much harder to stop the Bulldogs offense.
Special teams took up a large portion of practice today with punt return coverage being the sole focus. A.J. Jefferson, Chastin West, Marlon Moore, and Devon Wylie all took turns fielding and returning punts against the gunners on defense. Devon Wylie looked to be most impressive on punt returns as he was able to juke his way through the defense two times during the drill. A.J. Jefferson was able to show his speed to the outside during the drill and continues to show that anyone who is behind him on the football field will not catch him.
Halfway through the practice Tom Brandstater arrived to applause from the players (who were messing with him). As soon as Brandstater began throwing the ball it was obvious who the starting QB for this team was. In 11 on 11 drills Brandstater was on the money on all but one throw. He did not have any passes intercepted and had it not been for a great defensive play by Jefferson he would have had a TD pass to Ajirotutu. BB.C feels very confident with Tom as the QB. He has shown that he knows the system, can rifle through his passing options and more often than not will find the receiver who is in man to man coverage.
The defensive line practiced rushing drills today. Chase McEntee, Anthony Williams, Logan Harrell, and Matt Akers all practiced with both squads today. Although they have been forced to endure twice the amount of practice, these four have the energy and desire to play every down if they are given the chance. This D-line will be a positive for this team due to the amount of depth these freshmen will add to it. At the same time players such as Ikenna Ike and Wilson Ramos look ready to step on the field and play right now. On a side note Chris Lewis looked to have a level of determination that he had not shown up to this point. Lewis looked amazing today in drills and is on his way to becoming the player we all hoped he would be when he returned to Fresno. Overall practice went well today. The players seem to be looking forward to their first game with Rutgers. Tomorrow night at seven pm Fresno State will hold its annual scrimmage. If you have any questions as to how a certain player is performing make it out there tomorrow night and see for yourself.
Practice Notes
Devon Wylie looked outstanding in punt return drills. He showed the type of explosiveness needed from a punt returner at the college level.
Chris Lewis is coming along well and looks to be in great shape.
Robert Malone had another good day of punting the football. Kevin Goessling went 6 for 7 in drills. Sharrod Davis blocked the only kick Goessling missed.
Ryan Mathews is every bit as good as we all remember him to be. He looks stronger and faster this season as opposed to last.
The corners on this team do well at reading the ball out of the QB’s hands. It took Brandstater making perfect throws to complete passes against the defensive secondary today.