Notes and observations from today's practice...
Tuesday's practice took the place of the usual Thursday set up where the team was not in pads and had a primary focus of special teams and walk throughs. Practice lasted about an hour and 40 minutes.
The running backs went through a drill specifically for blocking which I haven't seen before.
RB Ronald Jones II fumbled during walk throughs and got yelled at by coaches. He was forced to do up-downs while cradling a ball as punishment.
Center Nico Falah had an intense amount of tape on both of his ankles. RG Viane Talamaivao had his right one taped well.
Redshirt freshman Walk-on QB Thomas Fitts had some exceptional throws during scout team periods going against the starting defense. One went across the field for a touchdown past Jonathan Lockett and another was a beautifully placed 30-plus-yarder over an outstretched Leon McQuay III.
De'Quan Hampton, Deontay Burnett and Velus Jones were among a group of receivers that stayed after practice to work on over the shoulder catches. Tee Martin stayed to watch for about 15 minutes but left before the receivers were finished.
Highlights from 11-on-11:
Sam Darnold challenged Adoree Jackson with a long ball to start the session but the throw was off target.
Darnold long ball attempt for Hampton is batted down in the endzone by a safety that made a good recovery in the middle of the field.
Darnold long touchdown on underthrown ball to Pittman who made a great catch similar to the one Darreus Rogers late in the Colorado game.
Overall, Darnold really pushed the ball downfield during this period and tried to stretch throws more than usual. Most of them were either a little bit short or thrown too far inside, but he's been giving his receivers more opportunities to make big plays of late.
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WR Velus Jones was a big target for the second team offense, getting back-to-back touches to start off their session.
Browne hits Pittman on curl on left side after a very nice cut to break himself open.
Tuesday's practice took the place of the usual Thursday set up where the team was not in pads and had a primary focus of special teams and walk throughs. Practice lasted about an hour and 40 minutes.
The running backs went through a drill specifically for blocking which I haven't seen before.
RB Ronald Jones II fumbled during walk throughs and got yelled at by coaches. He was forced to do up-downs while cradling a ball as punishment.
Center Nico Falah had an intense amount of tape on both of his ankles. RG Viane Talamaivao had his right one taped well.
Redshirt freshman Walk-on QB Thomas Fitts had some exceptional throws during scout team periods going against the starting defense. One went across the field for a touchdown past Jonathan Lockett and another was a beautifully placed 30-plus-yarder over an outstretched Leon McQuay III.
De'Quan Hampton, Deontay Burnett and Velus Jones were among a group of receivers that stayed after practice to work on over the shoulder catches. Tee Martin stayed to watch for about 15 minutes but left before the receivers were finished.
Highlights from 11-on-11:
Sam Darnold challenged Adoree Jackson with a long ball to start the session but the throw was off target.
Darnold long ball attempt for Hampton is batted down in the endzone by a safety that made a good recovery in the middle of the field.
Darnold long touchdown on underthrown ball to Pittman who made a great catch similar to the one Darreus Rogers late in the Colorado game.
Overall, Darnold really pushed the ball downfield during this period and tried to stretch throws more than usual. Most of them were either a little bit short or thrown too far inside, but he's been giving his receivers more opportunities to make big plays of late.
****
WR Velus Jones was a big target for the second team offense, getting back-to-back touches to start off their session.
Browne hits Pittman on curl on left side after a very nice cut to break himself open.
