Each year many of us travel to Blacksburg for the Maroon-White Game to get a glimpse of what the Hokies might look like in the upcoming football season. In addition to the spring game, Tech holds two open scrimmages, where anyone can come and watch practice. Not as many of us have the flexibility to travel to the 'Burg to watch the other two scrimmages. So if you are one of the fortunate ones, and will be in attendance this Saturday I ask that you post any observations that you saw here for the benefit of all the Hokies who can't make it down. I will be personally grateful, and I can only assume that everyone else on the board will be too.
TIA!
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I'll be there
and will try to tweet what I see. I'll also summarize/transalte said tweets on this board as my wife drives my hungover @$$ home sunday morning/afternoon (even though she doesn't realize it yet).
can I sneak my dog into Lane saturday? we'll see....
Depending on how my Friday night goes...
I plan on being there, and I'll do my best to be more of the observer as to how individuals are performing rather than watching as the casual fan
I plan on being there. I'll be paying close attention to the secondary, the o-line and probably certain players.
I will likely be there
Will try to get close to the field, and will tweet (@whobigal07) as I think of things to spout off about. Especially paying attention to offensive line, running backs and wide receivers.
I'll be there getting some interviews for the TV station I'm interning with. Any questions anyone wants answered?
1. How have Painter and Benedict practiced/looked since the pads have gone on, how about their backups?
2. How are Jack Tyler and Chase Williams doing at Mike and Backer respectively? Would Bud be comfortable starting them in the fall if Bruce and Tariq can't go?
If Bonner and Jarrett are back at corner, as has been rumored, why did Grey bail on them so quickly? What did he see to end the experiment?
I'm going
I'll be there. It'll be great to see how the team's progressed.
From what I saw
Antone and Kyle were looking very good at DB even going up against Davis and Dyrell. Didn't see DJ Coles anywhere today. Not sure where he was. As a result of the good coverage by those two, it was tough to get a good look out how Jarrett and Bonner did in pass coverage in the secondary. I will say though, there weren't too many missed tackles today which is always a good sign.
O Line did seem a bit shaky at times, often forcing Logan to make some quick throws. Fortunately, Logan seemed prepared for them and was getting them out accurately. Did see quite a number of drops by the recievers today. Knowles really looked good out there as well.
I think
DJ Coles is out for the spring with a knee injury. Wish he could be out there getting more reps but it is what it is.
Scrimmage Notes
1. Poor, poor Mark Leal.
This isn’t really a comment about the backup quarterback. It’s more of the fact that he had pressure in his face literally the entire day. Whether he was facing the #1 or #2 defensive line, they were everywhere. I honestly think that the d-line could probably go about ten deep. Not only were James Gayle and J.R Collins (combining for 1.5 sacks) doing Gayle/Collins-like thing rushing the passer, but the tackles were giving the guards (one in particular) fits….leading me to my next point:
2. Right Guard is going to be a problem.
In the past, it’s been a go-to hole to run through. Sergio Render and Jaymes Brooks made a living blocking there (note to the NCAA: figure of speech…they don’t ACTUALLY make money.). Georgia transfer Brent Benedict started there today. Let’s just say Benedict was….shaky. 2 (possibly 3) false starts, and at least twice where he was simply embarrassed by the opposing tackle (usually Hopkins, Maddy or Harley). The problem? No other right guard looked any better. Leading me (again) tp point 3:
3. This will be an interesting year in the running game.
I know what we read. Team Beamer (Frank and Shane) loves the combination of Michael Holmes and JC Coleman. While that’s all well and good (to me, Coleman stuck out more, he’s going to be fantastic in space), it doesn’t matter if there are people in the backfield. To me, it’s setting up a year similar to the Cedric Humes/Mike Imoh/Justin Hamilton year. Everyone gets between 400 and 800 yards, but no one stands out/makes anyone fear them. If there was one back that stood out, it was the big fella, Martin Scales. Converted fullback, Scales showed quick feet while bringing the contact to linebackers. Can’t wait to see him in short yardage situations.
4. Special teams: kicker edition.
I’m going to be kind. No one stood out. I guess Connor Goulding is on top because he actually made a field goal? Goulding went 2-4, but none of those were from deep. Michael Brandthover had a good punt, but history shows that he’s…inconsistent to say the least. I like Goulding, but just because of his awesome handlebar mustache/bushy ponytail combo. A team insider tells me that no one should be surprised if both kicking positions are true freshman, saying that it probably should happen.
There are 6 more observations, to read go to http://goingforthree.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/virginia-tech-spring-scrim...
good analysis thanks for posting
"Let’s just say Benedict was….shaky. 2 (possibly 3) false starts, and at least twice where he was simply embarrassed by the opposing tackle (usually Hopkins, Maddy or Harley). The problem? No other right guard looked any better."
This is worrisome, if its still a problem come Labor Day I assume we'll run the other way which the defense will be ready for, which will lead to negative yards.
I think that I read somewhere that arkema is pleasantly surprising the coaches .. Via has played guard too -- wouldn't be surprised if he were the starter this season as long as he can get healthy. FWIW -- I take some of this with a grain of salt (for the future anyhow) because of :
1. This is Benedict's first real spring .. injuries, scout team, rehabbing -- he hasn't played a college play yet
2. I've heard first-hand from people who know -- who has said that the dude is just a damned beast -- His weight room numbers support -- that doesn't always translate to the field -- but give the kid a season or two and he'll be tough
3. Look at who he's trying to block .. Probably a top 5 DL this season.
Hopefully, things improve and these guys look better in the fall.