Scrimmage #2 is in the books and we’re now less than 14 days until the opener. Things are starting to come into focus and I feel like we got a pretty good idea of how the game will be called for this offense early on.

Scrimmage #2

Defense pushed back today, but again there was decent balance on both sides of the ball. Didn’t see the same explosion from the offense compared to scrimmage #1, however there was a much more focused effort on the ground game. A few key seniors sat out, which ended up being nice for the younger guys as this is about the time when their practice snaps start to drop off. A good amount of situations dedicated to playing freshmen units so while we don’t have many that will significantly contribute in 2023 we did get to see their progression from the past two weeks.

Thoughts

Offensive scheme – It wasn’t really unknown what this team was going to do but it was nice to finally see a few “typical” drives in camp. Inside runs, some play action to get outside, and a few deeper shots to pick-up chunk plays. The language might be the same this isn’t Billy Cosh’s offense anymore. This group continues to make good strides running the ball inside, and Wickersham seems comfortable working the flats and throwing on the move. Not a lot of running wide from this team as we seem to be very heavy in the A & B gaps, mostly inside zone. Combo that with QB draws and you’ll see the Spiders going straight ahead quite often in 2023.

Aidan Murray – I had concerns that 1) Murray wouldn’t be ready for the season and 2) people would forget just how good he is. Well I can assure you that he’s ready to go, and it’s clear that he’s going to make sure people don’t forget about him. First week and half he wasn’t participating in team periods, however this past week he’s been full go and #99 was finding his way into the backfield immediately. He looks like a man on a mission out there and with both Stocklinski and Fitz continuing to do well inside we’ve got a great group of three DTs in the rotation. Credit to him for putting in work this past year to return to his 2021 form.

Tight ends – Very few formations are without a tight end, and we aren’t shy in throwing them the ball either. Buy stock in this group now, as Deveney/Heagarty/Clarke should make an impact on this offense each week.

Ja’Vion Griffin – Feels like he’s grabbing that #2 receiver role as camp goes on. He’s had a lot of bright spots the past few camps & springs but really feels like the time is now for #5 (new number).

4-2-5 – Not only are we getting the 4-2-5, but we’re getting it with a special D-linemen package upfront. In the scrimmage we saw Bryson Parker move to the dime position, with Jarmo playing strong safety. We took one DT and linebacker Jared Joseph off the field, moved Jeremiah Grant inside, put Donovan Hoilette at edge, shifted Wheeler to Mike linebacker, and subbed in Wayne Galloway at the Sam. Got all that?

Really the takeaway is we’ve got depth and the staff is going to find ways to use it. This is very much a 3rd down or clear passing situation package, and in the long run it will take snaps away from DTs and linebackers and allow us to play three safeties and get Galloway on the field. I’m a broken record on this but we were gassed come Delaware/W&M last year. No doubt this helps our big guys up front throughout the grind of a season.

True freshmen

Here are my five standouts from this freshmen class after 2+ weeks of camp. Don’t get to see too many plays from any of the younger guys so the sample size for these observations is pretty small.

TJ Baldwin – If we weren’t so good at defensive tackle I really think he’d have a shot to play throughout the season. He’ll redshirt this season, which is better in the long run, but I’m expecting him to make an impact in the few games he gets. He’s been in the backfield plenty and seems to really be working well with Coach Noel. Also bonus points for being a local kid (Benedictine).

Landon Ellis – Every year we have at least one receiver step into the spotlight and that was undoubted Landon Ellis in my mind this camp. #81 showed a great ability to adjust to the ball in the air did a nice job working some of deeper routes over the middle of the field. Won a ton of 1-on-1 balls early on and looks like he could become a deep threat down the road.

Matthew Traynor – With Trae Tomlinson moving to corner we are all the suddenly very thin at safety after this season. Banks and Jarmo will be gone, and Bryson Parker will be entering his senior year. Traynor has looked good roaming the field and moving in space, as he is slotted in the free safety spot for now. Huesman also mentioned how well he’s doing in a post-practice interview so confident that #22 is off to a good start, and that he’ll get a chance to compete for a starting role in 2024.

Kade Capristo – So many freshmen offensive linemen, so few opportunities to watch each guy. #77 has stood out to me, as he seems to be a solid center and has snapped well. Snapping well might seem like a low bar but scrimmage #2 wasn’t the best from our centers (not named Tom Elia). Lots of time to improve, but it’s a solid start from Capristo in his first fall camp.

Jamaal Brown – #7 really excels at running inside the tackles and doesn’t hesitate when hitting the hole. Saw his quick burst a few times when he got into space, but it was really his vision and instincts inside that impressed me. Plenty of seniors ahead of his this year but I’d guess we’ll be seeing a lot of Brown come 2024.

Next Post

2023 Position Group Overview – Running Backs