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Day Four of Rice Owls Training Camp 2009
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Learning the ropes-- Freshmen offensive lineman from left Nazar, Janisch, Shaw, & Ball
Day four of Owls Camp 2009 saw much more physical play than the first 3 practices. In addition, freshmen from both sides of the ball got involved. These youngsters are not afraid to mix it up. Head Coach David Bailiff is still very excited about his young group. Take a listen to his post-evaluation of practice four below.
Meanwhile, the quarterback situation is still unresolved. Just when you think that one of the three is about to take off after performing some semblance of surgical-like precision on the defense when possible, and those opportunities are rare, along comes quarterback two or three who mimic what the the preceding quarterback just displayed making it more difficult for any one of the three to pull away.
If one of the three can't eventually separate based on his talents, ability to lead, and ability to move the football down the field, the decision might come down to which quarterback has the best upside. Bailiff stated the day training camp got underway that it would be two weeks before a decision is made. They now have a week and a half before deciding whether it will be Shepherd, Fanuzzi, or Lewis. It's still too close to call and too soon to tell.
The Secondary
The group looks good in practice and there are no noticible injuries. The D-backs and safeties are crisp in their execution of drills which somewhat speaks to the intense coaching of Co-Defensive Coordinator and safeties coach, Craig Naivar and savvy, yet fierce competitive-natured defensive backs coach, Jason Washington.
But, this group of players seemingly doesn't need much push from their coaches---at least for now. Experience and depth are what the secondary has that somewhat went lacking in 2008 due in part to a rash of injuries particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
As a result, the 2009 starting cornerbacks, Jarrett Ben and Chris Jammer, were pressed into duty as freshmen in 2008. Jammer became a fan favorite following the 69-yard interception return for touchdown versus Memphis with 11 seconds remaining to lift Rice to a 42-35 win, while Ben was steady and heady.
Travis Bradshaw filled in admirably following the injury to Andrew Sendejo against Tulsa. Bradshaw was so impressive, he was named C-USA Player of the Week against Marshall. He-------can hit!!
But, the secondary is led by Sendejo at free safety. He reported to camp at a robust 225 lbs and has a downright nasty disposition on the football field. He says he is bigger--faster--stronger and looks the part. Opposing wide receivers might think twice about running anywhere near his area.
"If they come my way, they're gonna get it. If the ball's in the air, I'm gonna go get the ball. It's a double edged sword. I feel confident in this year---going out there making big plays---left and right---that's what I plan on doing---doing my job---leading this defense---leading this team---trying to accomplish the goals that we've established for this team."
Sendejo says all the right things and so far in camp, has been a man of his word. All of the above factors taken into consideration, look for the Rice secondary to be one of the harest hitting and best cover groups in Conference-USA.
DC Chuck Driesbach is pleased so far
Assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator, Chuck Driesbach, is all grins about his defense. Reasons? Not only does he have talent and experience, he's got a few extra players from which to choose when special situations arise---a necessary element to help win ballgames. But, what also makes this defense good is Driesbach himself. He's a tireless worker who loves the game of football and a communicator who gets the total attention of his players. Like Bailiff, Driesbach is excited.
"There's a mixture of young guys in there, particularly at corner and defensive line. So, we've got to go as fast as we need to go. So, those guys---it's a little bit tough on. But, I like what I've seen so far."
When asked who has stood out so far? "Well, it's a little bit too early and we haven't done any real live tackling or anything. But, a lot of them have. Jarrett Ben has really done a nice job at the corner spot. Matter of fact, both corners have (Chris Jammer). A couple of the young corners have stepped up---Phillip Gaines has made a couple of real nice plays for us. And the other young corners have stepped up."
"Defensive line, we have two young ends---(Josh Skinner & Cody Bauer)---one of 'em kind of banged his knee a little bit, but he should be OK. Bauer can move. I like what he's doing. Scott Solomon, Sendejo, Bradshaw---those guys---I'm not going to even mention. They're just full speed all the time. Matt Nordstrom at linebacker---tonight---was flying around out here. I was excited about him. Justin Hill coming over (to linebacker) has done a nice job. I'm pretty excited about him. So, there's a lot of guys that I could talk about. Overall, I'm pretty pleased right now."
When it comes to football, Coach Bailiff and Assistant Head Coach Driesbach seem to be on the same page.
Other Camp Nuggets
Tyler Smith is looking more and more like the starter at running back. He also scored one of two touchdowns scored by the offense during full team drills Tuesday night. WR Derek Clark scored the other.
RB Jeramy Goodson is wearing a boot on his left foot. However, Coach Bailiff says that it's nothing serious. In fact, Goodson practiced Sunday night and should be out of the boot in a couple of days.
WR Denzel Wells has a sore shoulder and did not practice.
DT Chance Talbert practiced in pads for a short time Tuesday night. However, he went through conditioning drills without them. He still plans to be ready for UAB.
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