Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Practice Starts This Week

As I parse through the "They are really getting after it" and "This is the best camp we've had in two or three years" quotes, here are some of the non-injury related things I'm looking for through the fall practices:
  • Kwame Gathers pushing John Jenkins for playing time - If this happens, that only means Kwame and Jenkins will get on the field the same time.  A lot.  It also means Kwame's (and by extension the rest of the defense's) Spring wasn't a mirage.
  • Tackling to the ground - I realize there is a balance here, but teams play better after tackling to the ground in practice.  It builds intensity and prepares for game speed.  I hope Coach Richt doesn't lose his nerve.
  • No discussion about blocking schemes in the backfield - I get that the tailback has to be able to block in some formations.  I also am smart enough to know that if you don't have a tailback that can do that consistently, you find plays that enable you to move the ball that are not predicated on the tailback having to block.  Find a hole that the peg fits in instead of complaining that you don't have pegs to fit in your holes.
  • More fullback involvement in the offensive scheme - A natural extension of the preceding point.
  • Scuffles on the field - I'm a bit old school.  Having a kerfuffle or two in camp isn't a bad thing.  Especially if it is the 'get your ass in gear' type of thing.  It also means the coaches are pushing the players and they are ready to hit someone, anyone.
  • The freshmen pushing other guys for playing time - Especially at key positions like offensive line, wide receiver, and inside linebacker. 
  • Grantham quotes - The guy just cracks me up.
  • Richt keeping it real - More being forward about strengths and weaknesses.  Don't give up a practice unless the players are ready for game time. First team practicing against first team. Stuff like that.
  • No quotes from Walsh about kickoff schemes - I think we've covered this.
Plenty of him on both sides of the ball would be nice, too (Image: Hipple)

What are you hoping to see?
TD

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