Monday, March 31, 2008

4 Down,11 to Go

The first week of spring ball is in the books. Our new fast-paced,
no-huddle offense has been quite an experience. Learning all of the
signals is something I've never had to do in my football career.
Therefore, going into last week I was a little nervous, but everything
is turning out great. The entire offense is in great shape and we're
learning everything at a great pace.

We've had many players stepping up and making plays in practice on both
sides of the ball. On the defensive side of the ball, I'm VERY excited
about our linebackers. They're very fast, strong and athletic. I
witnessed Darius Johnson use that athleticism Saturday in practice as
he dove down near the sideline to make an impressive interception. He
should've had another pick that practice, but he dropped it. During
Friday's practice Ian Reeves picked off a pass after batting it into
the air.

The linebacker core is led by true senior Geno Johnson. Geno has been
making great plays for us for the past three years and this spring and
season will be no different. Will Patterson is a beast and is probably
the most physically impressive linebacker we have. He is a true
intimidator with great quickness and power. Matt Mayberry is going to
be a star. His work ethic is amazing and he's a weight room junkie. He
might be our fastest linebacker. In a lot of ways he reminds me of
Brian Cushing from Southern Cal. I enjoy watching Mayberry play. Tyler
Replogle is one tough son-of-a-gun. He's always around the ball and is
a selfless athlete who will do anything to help the team. He quickly
earned the respect and confidence of the team in last season's training
camp and this spring he's building off of that.

On the offensive side of the ball, Brandon Walker-Roby and Ray Fisher
have demonstrated great leadership at the receiver position. Roby has
displayed a new sense of urgency and dedication to improve upon his six
receptions last season. Fisher has been very vocal and encouraging
to all of us. He's one of the most confident players I've ever been
around and is a joy to have as a teammate.

Ben Chappell has stepped up and looked very impressive. He's caught
on to the new system very well and is turning into a fine field
general. I feel very comfortable next to him on the field.

The next 11 practices should be fun, challenging and effective.
I'm looking forward to each and every one of them.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Bryan....cant wait until the season starts!

Anonymous said...

Great report Brian. Listening to you one could get excited for the upcomming season. I truely believe that it is the lines on both sides of the ball and the backers that will be the deciding facter in how good you guys can be. We have the skill positions covered but need that inner strenght. Keep after them!

Anonymous said...

4 down 11 to go? how often r u guys practin? just twice a week tues/thurs morning??? practice sounds like the team is revvin' up the engines again-- can't wait for the new season, thanks for the details

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Anonymous said...

Your mom having a mid-life crisis, heh??? Are you kidding me?? You know ALL of us mom's have always been too cool; 6 of the St. Paul moms had dinner together last night; what a riot! We closed the place down! Going to make a habit of "St. Pauls mom's night out". You are a momma's boy, and this mom loves ya too! Can't wait for the season to start and have Ken and Bernie at the house for the weekends again! A whole house full of mid-lifers! Love ya!