10 practices in and the Spiders have effectively hit the halfway point of camp. Still seeing a lot of reps for younger guys but we’re past basic install and seeing plenty more looks from both sides.

Offense

The reps remain equal between Wickersham and Coleman, however we’re starting to see things catered more towards each guy. Not the “different playbooks” it felt like we saw last season, but slight variations based on how they would call games for each. Coach Huesman recently gave a post practice update saying this was going all the way up until UVA week, and I don’t think that’s just coach speak. Still not much separation between the two and no real indications on which way they lean. I know they’re competing against each other, but it’s been a blast watching these two over the spring/fall. It’s been a long time since we’ve had two guys this capable of leading a top offense (Laub/Strauss 2012?) so while someone is bound to be disappointed with the result, as a fan it’s hard to not smile watching quality depth at another key position.

Plenty of plays made by receivers Landon Ellis and Ja’Vion Griffin. The plus side of battles at both the quarterback and cornerback position is that receivers get plenty of attention. They’re giving our secondary tremendous competition that everyone will benefit from in the end. Looks to be another year of a deep WR corps for Richmond.

Cade Salyers continues to work at right guard and looks like he’s settling in well. Seems like he could be a full go for UVA, however I wouldn’t be shocked if we staggered his snaps in the first few games. Either way, having #74 once CAA play rolls around will go a long way for this O-line.

Defense

Spiders have started playing a little bit of the 4-2-5, which will be our long yardage defense again in 2024. No changes in the secondary, with Bryson Parker still controlling the dime spot. He remains a great fit for that position, and with Matthew Traynor continuing to look good as a young safety we’ve got the personnel to play this package once again.

One small change to the 4-2-5 has been seeing a 3rd DE play the inside spot, but NOT Jeremiah Grant. In the past he’s slid inside to the 3-technique, but a few times this camp it’s been Zion Bryson inside and Grant remaining on the edge. The next two weeks should be a good indication if there are any other D-line variations in this package.

The only reason we might not play 4-2-5 as much in 2024 is because this linebacking corps is so good. I know we lost Tristan Wheeler but our top 3 have not missed a beat so far. That position group preview will go out late next week, and while I’m not shocked by their solid play, it’s amazing how good this group could be the year after losing a 5-time All-American.

Scrimmage

An impromptu scrimmage happened last Saturday, as the publicly released schedule showed it was supposed to be a regular practice. We’re still early into camp, so it was even reps for the 1s, 2s, and 3s. Wickersham and Coleman both played roughly four drives – zero turnovers for both guys and one big passing play each. Their drives included various O-line combinations and defenses faced, yet they moved the ball well and stayed ahead of the sticks. They’ll wear red no-contact jerseys all camp, so the QB run game is nonexistent.

The official scrimmage this Saturday might be more focused on the 1s and 2s, as we’ll be 14 days out from UVA at that point. After that, Coach Huesman has roughly a week to make his call on QB1. I don’t think we’ve got any other spots that are true tossups right now, but there are still guys fighting for playing time. A worthwhile scrimmage to attend if you’re able to.

True Freshmen

I try and watch every true freshmen during each fall camp – here are a few that have stood out the most to me, with a couple having a chance to play a role in 2024.

Sean O’Haire #36 | Kicker – The Spiders might have themselves a gem in O’Haire. He’s hit multiple 50 yarders in live periods, and has reached the end zone on plenty of kickoffs. It remains to be seen if he’ll win any of those roles in year 1 (Fordham transfers Brandon Peskin looks good as well), but the late addition from Ireland looks to be a fantastic find by this staff.

Amir Haskett #23 & Kyree Richardson #13 | Defensive backs – The upside to having a young secondary is getting to see them run with the 2s a lot more than you usually would. Local product Kyree Richardson has been playing corner with the 2s since day 1, with Haskett working at both corner and safety (sometimes with the 1s). I don’t see these guys winning a starting role, but don’t be surprised when they get more snaps than your average freshman.

Luke Surrett #78 | Offensive line – Surrett has worked at guard and center, holding his ground well throughout camp and winning plenty of reps. Not a guy we’ll likely see this year, but any O-lineman that comes into his first camp and impresses early on against a solid D-line is noteworthy to me.

Braxton Lassiter #90 | Defensive line – Lassiter is disruptive. Listed at 6′ 5″, 250 lbs., but plays with the quickness of a defensive end. He and Surrett have gone toe-to-toe plenty of times with the 3s, but he’s also gotten some run with the 2s. Another “shouldn’t see him this season” freshman, but two weeks in and this freshman class across the lines looks to be a good one.

Next Post

2024 Position Group Preview – Tight Ends – tomorrow, August 14th