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The thing a team lacking depth can't have is a rash of injuries, and the Rebels had two to keep an eye on at today's practice.
Defensive back Charles Sawyer sustained a thigh bruise, and wide receiver Collins Moore sustained a dislocated shoulder. Moore will have an MRI to check for further damage. Both are expected to be out a few days.
Sawyer is the leader in the secondary and before he was out and a really nice play, a strip of Korvic Neat when it looked like Neat was about to make a nice catch over the middle on a pass from Bo Wallace.
Freshmen Trae Elston and Quintavius Burdette will get the extra reps in Sawyer's absence. Both have been repped pretty good over the first two days. They'll get more work now.
Speaking of quarterbacks Wallace and Barry Brunetti, it was a day when neither really shined. Freeze says both will go stretches without a bad play, but right now those stretches aren't long enough.
Late in the workout Randall Mackey got in some time with the quarterbacks. He's not moving back there, but he would become the third quarterback in an emergency situation, most likely.
Overall, the offensive line did not have a good day against its defensive counterparts. Through it all, though, Freeze saw enough to be pleased with freshmen running backs I'Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton.
I think Scott will continue to run more to the outside. They will work hard to get he and Randall Mackey the ball in space.
I'Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton have looked good early, but it's very early.
Nick Parker has a chance to become that guy that bangs at the middle. There's a role there if the can grab it. That could be Devin Thomas as well.
PA, can you explain what kind of offense will be run this year. Sounds like Freeze likes a fast tempo spread attack?
Jeff Scott has always been used as a sweeping RB, that tries to outrun the defense to the sideline. Do you expect him to continue that type of running with the new offense?
What is the RB depth order looking like? I expect Mathers to run similar to B. Bolden, and Walton as a speed back like Scott. I'm hoping they all have some ability to break a few tackles too.
Even if we get the 3 defensive academic hold outs, I expect the offense to be the strength of the team, other than punting, lol.