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Camp Bailiff moving along nicely; Smiter finally resumes practice
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Another Monday Night in the books
Rice Head Football Coach, David Bailiff and staff are really in an advantageous position, believe it or not, five days before classes begin session.
Sure---the starting quarterback has not yet been selected, which means that the offense is still looking to find an identity. Also, there are players suffering with minor injuries who really need to get reps to improve their development heading into the season which is only 18 days away. While those might be serious concerns, Bailiff and the coaching staff have several reasons to feel real good about this Rice football team.
The defense is solid.
Decisions will have to be made regarding the two tackle positions. Who will man the nose tackle spot and will Chance Talbert be ready to resume his duties at defensive tackle. Talbert has said on a couple of occasions that he will be ready. If not, there are some decisions to be made that could affect other positions.
Secondly, there are good candidates for the starting NT position. However, we believe John Gioffre is leading the way.
Three good quarterback candidates
Senior quarterback J.T. Shepherd has been impressive in camp. There are variables about Shepherd's game that lack excitement. But, what this offense will need most, more specifically at the start of the season, is a leader who will not take too many chances and who will make good decisions at critical times.
Nick Fanuzzi has the skill set, leadership abilities, and all of the intangibles that come with being a good college quarterback. He is getting better with reps. Ryan Lewis, as we've said before, is a special athlete. Like Fanuzzi, Lewis throws a beautiful ball that makes receivers smile when they see it coming.
The decision, more than likely, will be based on which of the three has the most upside. Regardless, it's good to have choices.
Skilled positions are log-jammed
There are two more very good reasons for Bailiff and staff to smile. They are loaded at the wide receiver, tight end, and running back positions. In addition, the team got good news yesterday regarding two of their veterans.
Senior running back Jeramy Goodson practiced for the first time since camp started in the Monday morning practice. Also, senior wide receiver Corbin Smiter began light workouts with the team on Monday night.
With Toren Dixon, Corbin Smiter, Patrick Randolph, Derek Clark, Pierre Beasley, Roddy Maginot, Brent Hotard/WR-TE, and Taylor Dupree, there might not be enough balls to go around. As a group, they are big and fast and will cause problems for opposing teams.
The tight ends are special. Taylor Wardlow is poised to have a good season and looks really smooth in his route running and catching the football. Vance McDonald and Luke Wilson will add depth to a very talented position.
Next question please! How will running backs coach Darrell Patterson keep his stable of running backs happy? Patterson, who played linebacker at TCU, a member of TCU's Hall of Fame, and played for seven seasons in the CFL, has five very capable running backs, all of whom will ask for the football and will produce. Obviously, the number, 5, does not include Sam McGuffie, who will not be able to play until 2010. Patterson talks about his dilemma in the video below. It's a good problem to have.
Depth
Ninty-seven players reported to camp in 2009. The Owls are deep at every position. However, the key to a really successful campaign is the development of younger players and backups. Injuries occur in this rough and tough game of football. Players will have to be ready to fill a position in the event of a key injury. Advantage in 2009? The answer---Bailiff and staff---finally, they have the numbers.
Camp 2009 resumes with an afternoon practice. Meanwhile, see the interviews with Bailiff as he discusses the team practice, adjustments made on defense, and wide receiver Corbin Smiter's return to practice from injury.
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