The Aggies were in full pads today and the weather was just about perfect: cloudy with highs in the 70s. I watched the offense for the most part today, so I'll talk most about them.
During his press conference yesterday, Collin Klein said he really liked his two young running backs, Jamarion Morrow and Tiger Riden. I can see why -- especially in Morrow's case. He made a really nice one-handed grab on an errant pass out of the backfield and didn't even break stride today. Riden I don't think is quite as quick, but he's got good top end speed and looks to be a bit more physical.
The top three receivers, with Terry Bussey nicked up, are KC Concepcion, Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman. Concepcion is the most complete of the group, but he has had a few drops when we've seen him. Craver is the most explosive. Bethel-Roman looks like he's going to be a straight speed guy, but he also has a little height to him at 6-foot-1.
I keep on being consistently impressed by tight end Amari Niblack. He runs his routes really well, has shown soft hands and can go get the ball. I really love Kiotti Armstrong, too, and he had a nice day today. They could be a very interesting two tight end set.
Ashton Funk has been playing center almost exclusively since Mark Nabou got hurt last fall, but with Nabou back, he has been getting some more looks at guard. He was at right guard today when we got a look at the offense, as they've been rotating guys there with Ar'maj Reed-Adams out this spring. Blake Ivy has also gotten a good bit of work.
It's back to the way it was at center, with Nabou and Koli Faaiu handling the position. I think Nabou is probably ahead, again, as he's just a little bit taller and broader -- and possibly a bit more consistent.
We got to see some fairly deep passes from the quarterbacks today, and certainly ones that require arm strength. Miles O'Neill, with his absolute cannon, has the strongest arm; Marcel Reed is second. But true freshman Brady Hart impressed me today with his ability to make some really tough throws and do it smoothly. He's obviously not nearly close to ready yet, but that's something that people should be pleased with.
Also, O'Neill may be a good bit faster than we thought. During sprints, Reed was easily the fastest quarterback, but O'Neill finished second.
There aren't many real position battles going on on offense this spring, but there is definitely one on defense. Julian Humphrey and Dezz Ricks are going at it to start at corner, and right now I'd give the edge to Humphrey. Ricks is taller and may be a little quicker, but Humphrey has more muscle and is flat out fast. It will all come down to coverage skills, of course, but that's an interesting competition.
During his press conference yesterday, Collin Klein said he really liked his two young running backs, Jamarion Morrow and Tiger Riden. I can see why -- especially in Morrow's case. He made a really nice one-handed grab on an errant pass out of the backfield and didn't even break stride today. Riden I don't think is quite as quick, but he's got good top end speed and looks to be a bit more physical.
The top three receivers, with Terry Bussey nicked up, are KC Concepcion, Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman. Concepcion is the most complete of the group, but he has had a few drops when we've seen him. Craver is the most explosive. Bethel-Roman looks like he's going to be a straight speed guy, but he also has a little height to him at 6-foot-1.
I keep on being consistently impressed by tight end Amari Niblack. He runs his routes really well, has shown soft hands and can go get the ball. I really love Kiotti Armstrong, too, and he had a nice day today. They could be a very interesting two tight end set.
Ashton Funk has been playing center almost exclusively since Mark Nabou got hurt last fall, but with Nabou back, he has been getting some more looks at guard. He was at right guard today when we got a look at the offense, as they've been rotating guys there with Ar'maj Reed-Adams out this spring. Blake Ivy has also gotten a good bit of work.
It's back to the way it was at center, with Nabou and Koli Faaiu handling the position. I think Nabou is probably ahead, again, as he's just a little bit taller and broader -- and possibly a bit more consistent.
We got to see some fairly deep passes from the quarterbacks today, and certainly ones that require arm strength. Miles O'Neill, with his absolute cannon, has the strongest arm; Marcel Reed is second. But true freshman Brady Hart impressed me today with his ability to make some really tough throws and do it smoothly. He's obviously not nearly close to ready yet, but that's something that people should be pleased with.
Also, O'Neill may be a good bit faster than we thought. During sprints, Reed was easily the fastest quarterback, but O'Neill finished second.
There aren't many real position battles going on on offense this spring, but there is definitely one on defense. Julian Humphrey and Dezz Ricks are going at it to start at corner, and right now I'd give the edge to Humphrey. Ricks is taller and may be a little quicker, but Humphrey has more muscle and is flat out fast. It will all come down to coverage skills, of course, but that's an interesting competition.
