After 2 days of camp, the defense looks good and is ahead of the offense. This is pretty normal, especially breaking in new guys at Receiver.

They're still in shorts, so no idea about the running game. Looks like George Payne is our #2 back right now. Tez Parks looks about 80%. The Freshman Andre Hale will get plenty of reps in camp to see if he can avoid a redshirt.

Hard to tell anything about the O-Line in shorts. They're definately talented enough, but until they put the pads on, can't tell anything.

Receivers, T-Man looks to be our main guy right now. He's looking more consistent in his route running and catching the ball better than ever. Isaiah Jones could be our deep threat this year if Mullens trusts him, he's got the size and speed. Those 2 guys will play a lot. After them, there's a big group of Thompson, Ricard, Robertson, Allenzae Staggers, and Jordan Mitchell that will battle for playing time.

Nothing really earth shattering with the QBs. Mullens is good. Adamson, Griggs, and Keon Howard are all battling to be the backup. Adamson has a slight advantage.

Defensively, you can't tell much in shorts, but the DBs look really good. Tons of tipped balls and breakups. We will be very multiple on defense, lots of different looks. The Freshmen DLs, Turner and Dantzler, may play some. They both look ready physically. We are deep on defense.

Great information, appreciate you sharing. I'd like to think if D is ahead of O it's a good sign. I have confidence in O ability this year; uncertain about playing calling. But stout D could be the difference maker.

TheChosenOne, I saw your thread asking if anybody has been to watch practice. Just wanted to let you know that all the thoughts I provided came from me watching practice. Just decided to put it in this thread since it's already going.

I'll go to practice again after they put the pads on and give some thoughts then. I will say that I try not to get TOO specific about certain things like schemes and weaknesses, because I realize that it is a privilege for me to be able to watch, and they could close practice to the public any time they like.

Eagle9, I appreciate you sharing a high level view understanding staying away from specifics. Living out of town doesn't provide an opportunity to watch practice but do crave information.

I totally get it. I've always craved information during this time of year too. I didn't live in Hattiesburg until the last couple years. Current job allows me to get over there in the morning a couple times a week. I'll probably be able to see 4 or 5 practices before they shut it down. That usually happens about 2 weeks before the first game.

If we even get average oline play, we'll be hosting the championship game on December 3rd.

I'm really excited about our defense this year. Basically all of our playmakers are coming back and if the new LBs come in a play like they are capable of this defense will win is a lot of games

I'm interested to see how Pollard does with the RBs considering the fact he has coached defense his entire career prior to this past spring and now this upcoming fall.

Honestly, there isn't all that much to coach with running backs. Just gotta get them on the same page as the O Line in pass protection and get them to run hard. Sometimes if there's a young RB that doesn't know how to play in college and wants to dance or try to outrun everybody to the edge, the coach will need to teach him how to see the hole and hit it. Ball security is another big thing RB coaches do. But it's pretty simple. Run the ball hard, don't fumble it. Pick up blitzes. Not to say some guys aren't better at coaching that stuff than others, but other than Tight Ends, it's the easiest position to coach. If you have good backs, you're going to look like a good RB coach. If you don't, you won't.

(08-06-2016 11:17 AM)Eagle9 Wrote:  Receivers, T-Man looks to be our main guy right now.

Wow, I thought the main wr this year would be D.J. Is he not looking good in camp? Thanks for the report on camp. It is appreciated.

thank you......and I see Payne as one of many tools that needs to be kept healthy as reasonably possible.....

the weapons are limitless on this squad....

not going homer, but this is one of those 'potentials'.....

Just saw the question about DJ. So I'll try my best to answer it. In my opinion, last year was as good as DJ can be. I just don't see him improving over his number from last year. He got a lot of oppurtunity we having Mike Thomas on the other side and teams rolling safeties down to take away Casey. DJ has good size and is a good athlete, but he's just not very fast, and is prone to drops. He did well catching he ball last year, but during his time here, he's had big problems with drops, and it looked the same in practice the other day. I think most people expect DJ to have some breakout year because he was good last year and think he will be even better this year. But I just don't see it. I see him as a solid #2 option. There's nothing wrong with that.