ngineer
August 19th, 2006, 11:17 PM
Attended most of Lehigh's first scrimmage after 10 days of practice. Despite some of the expected screw ups with a new offense and personnel, there were many bright spots.
First--Special teams is in good hands. Leo was 'money' from all over in field goals from 20-45 yds out and room to spare. His punts averaged around 45 yards, though a couple could have had some more hang time.
KO return revealed a speedster in Aaron Gilliard who had a nice one. Pastore also had a nice return.
Second--QB Threatt showed a cannon for an arm and quite accurate. Lee Thomas showed he will definitely be the #1 receiver with several nice catches in traffic. Thompson turned in a sparkling 50+ yard run on a screen pass. Threatt has put on some weight--looks stronger, and scrambled effectively. Probst is the #2, but Marshall is giving him strong competition for that role.
Third--Running backs--we finally have a 'stable'.:nod: McGowan ran like hell today between the tackles and Pastore showed he'll be a strong runner, too. Thompson is the change of pace at TB with his speed, and Fay turned in a solid performance at FB together with a nice reception for 30 yards. There will definitely be more of a focus on running the ball than in years past--of course, that includes Threatt, as well.
Fourth--OL was inconsistent with some excellent holes and then some stuffing by the DL. Pass protection was 'ok'--but the D was aggressive with a number of blitzes. Overall, the DL looked very good--mobile. A lot of competition at LB and hard to say what the final picture will look like. Micah Greene appears to be leading to start at MLB--a stud, but somewhat short. Rusty Campion--a senior, had some nice deflections, and one he then intercepted.
Fifth--Secondary played well overall. no 'blown' coverages that I could see and a couple ints when passes weren't 'on the mark'. Some excellent hits.
Sixth--the one area we are still lacking is a 'burner' to step up. Thomas, Donchez, Travato, Maggs and Morelli have good hands and get open, but I think we're hoping one of the 'youngsters' will be able to take the opportunity.
With time 'doubling up' this coming week with 'two-a-days', a lot more work will be put in and by next scrimmage, next weekend, it will be interesting to see what kind of progress occurs. However, there was a lot of good, positive energy.
Only down note, a third string OL went down with a badly fractured ankle and had to be removed to the hospital, season likely over for him, and about 10 'walking wounded' on the sideline who did not participate.
First--Special teams is in good hands. Leo was 'money' from all over in field goals from 20-45 yds out and room to spare. His punts averaged around 45 yards, though a couple could have had some more hang time.
KO return revealed a speedster in Aaron Gilliard who had a nice one. Pastore also had a nice return.
Second--QB Threatt showed a cannon for an arm and quite accurate. Lee Thomas showed he will definitely be the #1 receiver with several nice catches in traffic. Thompson turned in a sparkling 50+ yard run on a screen pass. Threatt has put on some weight--looks stronger, and scrambled effectively. Probst is the #2, but Marshall is giving him strong competition for that role.
Third--Running backs--we finally have a 'stable'.:nod: McGowan ran like hell today between the tackles and Pastore showed he'll be a strong runner, too. Thompson is the change of pace at TB with his speed, and Fay turned in a solid performance at FB together with a nice reception for 30 yards. There will definitely be more of a focus on running the ball than in years past--of course, that includes Threatt, as well.
Fourth--OL was inconsistent with some excellent holes and then some stuffing by the DL. Pass protection was 'ok'--but the D was aggressive with a number of blitzes. Overall, the DL looked very good--mobile. A lot of competition at LB and hard to say what the final picture will look like. Micah Greene appears to be leading to start at MLB--a stud, but somewhat short. Rusty Campion--a senior, had some nice deflections, and one he then intercepted.
Fifth--Secondary played well overall. no 'blown' coverages that I could see and a couple ints when passes weren't 'on the mark'. Some excellent hits.
Sixth--the one area we are still lacking is a 'burner' to step up. Thomas, Donchez, Travato, Maggs and Morelli have good hands and get open, but I think we're hoping one of the 'youngsters' will be able to take the opportunity.
With time 'doubling up' this coming week with 'two-a-days', a lot more work will be put in and by next scrimmage, next weekend, it will be interesting to see what kind of progress occurs. However, there was a lot of good, positive energy.
Only down note, a third string OL went down with a badly fractured ankle and had to be removed to the hospital, season likely over for him, and about 10 'walking wounded' on the sideline who did not participate.