Spring Scrimmage #2....

[SydCamore]

What to look for..............

A pretty solid defense overall.

I really like the play of the defensive line. There are some big boys on the D Line that I think will be pretty productive.

In years past, we have had a few pretty good LBs. However, when one of our starting LBs went to the sideline, our backups could not get the job done. I have seen some pretty good depth at this position. There are probably 5 or 6 guys in spring ball that are fighting for a few LB positions. This makes for good competition and good depth.

The defensive backfield looks pretty solid. We have got quite a few kids that can play for us in these positions. The highlight of the defensive backfield is Alex Sewall. From the practices I have been to, I seems as though Sewall has become the leader for the defensive backfield.

We have quite a few offensive linemen this spring. We only had 7 last spring, ew! That being said, these kids are really young and have some improving to do. They are pretty much all experineced even though they are sophs and juniors.

QB is wide open. I like what I have seen from Seliger, Johnson, and Roberts. I actually think that a Junior transfer would be nice....... but we will play with the hand we have been dealth. All three of these kids are solid, just need a little time to become good DI QBs. They will do some growing up in Spring ball. I'm excited to see who wins the position.

RBs are solid. I think we really have a good bunch of guys in this position.

We are thin at the WR position.

The one obvious weakness right now is the Long Snapper position. This may sound funny to some of you, but that is one of the most important positions in football. Hundreds of yards every game come from as a result of good or bad special teams play. The snap is one of the most crucial elements of special teams.

 

[Jason Svoboda]

If they do nothing else, they sould continue to build the offensive and defensive lines. Once those are experienced and have depth, I honestly think the program can take off. We've got a great coaching staff in place.

 

[IndyTreeFan]

Aaron Archie? He came in last year with high expectations. How's he doing so far after the injury?

 

[SydCamore]

Indy,

Thanks for asking, Aaron looks good.

As you all may remember, he was one of the bright spots during summer camp last year. Expect him to make a big impact this year.

 

[ISUCC]

the trib star posted an article on Aaron

http://www.tribstar.com/sports/local_story_100224425.html

Aaron Archie? He came in last year with high expectations. How's he doing so far after the injury?

 

[new sycamore fan]

Nice article on Aaron Archie--I hope he stays healthy because he is a player and will really help the defense. Syd, who is currently doing the long snapping? Didn't Dedeaux, and then Byrne handle the long snapping last season? I know Byrne is gone, but I thought Dedeaux was back? That is more of a key position than people ever give it credit for. Bad snaps are basically turnovers or lead to missed scoring opportunities.

I know we will have some good sized kids coming in to compete at TE and LB, and several skill position kids with great speed that could move to either side of the ball--I see a couple of these coming in and helping at WR right away. The team speed is definitely getting much better. If any of you are at today's scrimmage, please give us out of towners an update later. Thanks. I look forward to the trip down and the spring game next week.

 

[SydCamore]

New Fan,

Dedeaux is not playing this year due to numerous injuries. He was a really good Long Snapper.

I have seen Betag, McGrath, and Josh Jenkins snapping the ball. Long Snapping is an art. Maybe one of the Freshmen will be able to play this role.

One update.......... Ryan Roberts played WR today. There were several nice fade routes ran to him in the endzone. I think he caught every one even though there was good coverage. You don't see too many 6'4" WR at this level. I believe that Ryan may have been the leading receiver on the day.

Matt Seliger is injured and Travis Johnson was the quarterback all day

The defense looked really good during the goaline segment of the scrimmage.

The offense did break some really big plays. Travis johnson threw a quick slant to Jeremy Gray and it went for 97 yards. Jeremy Gray is one of the fastest players ISU has had in a long time. I have been told that he ran a 4.19 40yd. He is on the ISU track team.

 

[new sycamore fan]

Thanks for the update. Roberts at WR--I like that (i remember saying last year that I'd like to see him there--a long, athletic possession type receiver that could help in the red zone). That kind of puts us back to square one at QB though--boy would I like to see an accomplished JUCO or a D1 transfer there! Slowly but surely they are getting better and finding out which pieces belong where. Patience is key, but it will happen! Hasn't J Gray won the conference indoor 60 2 years in a row? Nobody will catch him if he gets the ball in the open field.

Is the team staying healthy in the spring? You mentioned that Seliger sat out today. Any other significant injuries?

 

[ISUCC]

Jeramie Gray is a 3 time indoor MVC champion in the 60 meter dash, he is REALLY fast, I saw him win at UNI in Feb., it wasn't even close.

Will he be competing in outdoor track once spring FB is over??

Thanks for the update. Roberts at WR--I like that (i remember saying last year that I'd like to see him there--a long, athletic possession type receiver that could help in the red zone). That kind of puts us back to square one at QB though--boy would I like to see an accomplished JUCO or a D1 transfer there! Slowly but surely they are getting better and finding out which pieces belong where. Patience is key, but it will happen! Hasn't J Gray won the conference indoor 60 2 years in a row? Nobody will catch him if he gets the ball in the open field.

Is the team staying healthy in the spring? You mentioned that Seliger sat out today. Any other significant injuries?

 

[TJames]

as for the wide receivers....

i have seen improvement from the few practices that i have seen this spring...plus they have some kids coming in as freshmen...including the darrien donald kid from cahokia, illinois...he's an illinois state track champion...he can play wide receiver, running back, defensive back and return kicks...he was a quarterback in high school, so he might see some plays there as well....

one question though,...i had someone ask me about evan borchers....is he still around or not....

 

[SydCamore]

There are a few kids that have shoulder injuries that may keep them out all year. Burke and Pence, two veterans. Thay being said, we are pretty healthy overall.

Evan Borchers is still around. Matter of fact, he looked pretty solid today. Our offensive line is young and still learning. However, I have seen some improvement as spring ball progresses.


As far as QB, be patient.......... Trust me!!!!

 

[SydCamore]

Jacolby Washington......

We have not mentioned anything on this board about Jacolby Washington.

Jacolby was added to this years recruiting class after the initial signing day. He is already enrolled at ISU and is participating in spring football. I'm not sure where he is from, but I understand that he did not play football last year.

That being said, he has been one of the most impressive LBs in spring football. He is a very strong kid with a good build. Keep an eye out for him!!!!

 

[IndyTreeFan]

There are a few kids that have shoulder injuries that may keep them out all year. Burke and Pence, two veterans. Thay being said, we are pretty healthy overall.

Evan Borchers is still around. Matter of fact, he looked pretty solid today. Our offensive line is young and still learning. However, I have seen some improvement as spring ball progresses.


As far as QB, be patient.......... Trust me!!!!

Alright, Syd, you can't drop a line like that without explaining!!! That would be like telling us there's big news coming out of Iowa and not telling us who it's about!!! What do you know,oh football guru?