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Head Coach David Bailiff will be looking for leaders today
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Bailiff, Driesbach, & Defensive Grad Asst, Slater
Today is a big day for the Rice Owls football team. You've already seen that line in several articles over the past few days. However, consider who's feeling the pressure this morning!
Head Coach, David Bailiff, Asssistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Chuck Driesbach, and new Offensive Coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher, will be looking to see, as defensive backs coach Jason Washington puts it, "who catches your eye." The staff will be looking for fresh talent to elevate their level of play and make a difference today. While it matters that there are several practices remaining before the regular season starts, today is the day to catch the eye of the coaching staff. Playing well for certain guys today, will go a long way in securing playing time for rest of the season. Why? Because, generally, first impressions are the most lasting.
The Usual Suspects on Defense
Let's begin with the defense since they have been the focal point of camp. Free Safety Andrew Zendejo is the leader of the defense---period! However, he will have plenty of good help in the secondary. Speedy safety, Chris Jones, who took one back against Tulane last year, faster than a speeding bullet, will be consistent, along with hard-hitting CAT Travis Bradshaw. The corners will play with their chests out this season. Both Jarrett Ben and Chris Jammer were freshmen last season who the coaching staff knew had speed. Speaking of injuries, Jammer has a slightly sprained ankle. But he says it's not and won't be a problem. See Jammer in video below.
Terrence Garmon and Robert Calhoun should be steady at linebacker. The defensive line will be anchored by defensive ends Cheta Ozougwu and Scott Solomon. Who fills the interior of the defensive line is the question. However, look for John Gioffre and eventually Chance Talbert to fill those gaps. In the meantime, Solomon will see some time at tackle, while Kramer Lucio gets to show his skills at defensive end. Look for Michael Smith to also get time at the tackle position.
Usual suspects on offense
Wide Receiver Toren Dixon will be the 'go-to guy' on offense. Once WR Corbin Smiter returns, expect him to be opposite of Dixon. Smiter is still rehabbing from Hernia surgery. However, Smiter stated a day ago that he should be ready to practice with the team in about a week.
WR Patrick Randolph has had a marvelous camp and should see lots of passes coming his way. Tight End Taylor Wardlow has been pushed by freshman Vance McDonald from Winnie and redshirt freshman, Luke Wilson, during training camp. However, we saw glimpses of how good Taylor could be in 2008 and he has not dissapointed in Owl Camp 2009.
Tyler Smith is going to be your starter at running back. As mentioned in previous articles, he is strong, (bench presses 375), is amazingly quick, can cut on a dime, and has the speed to beat most sprinter- type-defenders to paydirt. The Owls could add a wrinkle to the running game this season that we have yet to see. However, other talented running backs to look for are freshman Charles Ross who has impressed during camp, and the cat-quick, Shane Turner.
The offensive line will be lead by junior left tackle, Scott Mitchell. His running mates should include sophomore Davon Allen at left guard, sophomore Keyshawn Carrington at center, sophomore Jake Hicks at right guard, and sophomore Tyler Parrish at right tackle. This group will need lots of on-the-field time. However, they should be good for years to come since they have numbers and four really good freshman pushing them for those positions.
Who will take the reins at Quarterback?
Nick Fanuzzi has shown flashes in camp. However, J.T. Shepherd has put up a good fight, while the left-handed Ryan Lewis is fun to watch. This is going to be a tough decision for Bailiff and Zaunbrecher. They will need to determine which quarterback has the most upside.
Fanuzzi has the size at 6'3" 220, SEC-factor-transfer from Alabama, and ability to scramble---not to mention a really good arm. But, he sometimes overthrows his receivers in various postions on the field and in critical moments. However, there is a solution to that problem---run the football.
Shepherd has been almost running-back like, showing good decision-making skills and knowing when to pull the ball down and run. When passing, he doesn't take too many chances. Although a good eye can usually tell where he's going to throw the football. Otherwise, he plays with heart, grit, and determination. Those three qualities alone should be making Bailiff and Zaunbrecher's decision even harder.
Lewis, the quiet one, throws a beautiful ball. He is special. But, sometimes his inexperience in decision-making shows. That sometimes results in the ball landing in the hands of the defender. However, his talents can not be over-looked.
Scrimmage starts at 9:00
The scrimmage gets underway at 9:00 and will be played at Rice Stadium. The gates will be locked. However, and this statement is strictly intended to be humorous---if you find a way into the stadium, you will NOT be asked to leave.
Meanwhile, see the video below of one of the newest leaders on defense, Chris Jammer.
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