Day 2

[Pistol Pete 1]

Today was night and day different from yesterday. It seemed to me that guys were more comfortable with where to go and what to do and there was a lot more hustle and pep out there. That may have had something to do with Sanchez's post practice talk yesterday when he was talking about looking for some guys that are gonna step up and be the leaders. What this team needs is a couple alpha dogs to lead them into battle and win or lose you are gonna know they were there fighting.
I spent a little time today watching the running backs. I am not convinced that Whitely or Greene are the answer there. I still like the looks of Xzaviar Campbell and Lexington Thomas. The coaches are giving a lot of attention to Thomas. He just has so much quickness and top end speed that he just has to be on the field. However, Altee Tenpenny looks to be on a whole other level. The athleticism he possesses is just crazy. Oh well, next year!
A freshman DB making some noise is Dominique Fenstermacher. Has made a number of plays the first 2 days that has gotten the defense all fired up. Another freshman, Darren Woods Jr brought the practice to a close with a TD reception from Decker. Kid has wheels.
We will know a lot more when the pads go on!

 

[RebelBuzz]

Thanks Pete. Don't know how often you'll be able to make it to practice, but I look forward to your posts as often as you are willing to provide them. Keep it up!

You haven't talked much about the QB position in either post. It seems like Decker is about a 90% lock to start our first game. Does this fit with what you've seen, and how does he look?

 

[DocRebel]

I'm excited about both of the freshmen WRs, Woods and Presley. They both look great to me.

With the skill players we have developing and/or eligible next season, we should actually be quite loaded offensively as long as these young OL produce as expected, and assuming someone steps up at QB after Decker graduates.

 

[willlevi]

I'm excited about both of the freshmen WRs, Woods and Presley. They both look great to me.

With the skill players we have developing and/or eligible next season, we should actually be quite loaded offensively as long as these young OL produce as expected, and assuming someone steps up at QB after Decker graduates.

Quarterback is the big question for next season. With three guys enter sophomore and freshmen seasons, one needs to separate them self as a viable option
Boyd is actually draft eligible next season as a former grayshirt. If he has a bigger sophomore year, I wouldn't be surprised if he considers giving the NFL a shot after either his sophomore or junior year.

The good thing is that the schedule gets likely much easier with Central Michigan and Idaho as OOC foes

 

[RunninSince88]

Guys that stood out to me today:

#21 Darius Mouton Fr CB - quick twitched corner who displayed good foot work and fluid hips. Did well in 1 v 1 drills and also did a solid job as the nickel corner in team with McTyer and Fred Wilson out today. Don't be surprised if he pushes for early playing time or even perhaps earn a starting role as a freshman.

#80 Brandon Presley & #10 Darren Woods Fr Wr - Presley caught mostly everything thrown his way, and I'd say he was a little more fluid running routes than Keys and other upperclassmen. I think Woods is slightly behind Presley but one thing you can't ignore is his size. He's every bit of 210 lbs as listed and has strong hands. Not a burner but can potentially move the chains for you. As Pete alluded to earlier he had a nice slant taken to the house to end practice. Boyd was a monster as always snatching on double coverage twice, one for a touchdown.

#5 Blake Decker Sr Qb - he's the clear cut #1 and I don't think it's close. One thing you notice is that he's playing to live another down and making good and decisive decisions in the pocket. Not forcing much at all. I think if the line comes together, he will have a really good year. Also took note of #18 Dalton Sneed Fr Qb, I'd say behind Decker, he's the most natural passer on the team. He throws a really good ball. Not ideal size but he has the tools to work with.

From the running back group no one has asserted them self as the lead back in my eyes. I mean Tenpenny when eligible is head and shoulders above the rest and will look to be the workhorse next year but regarding this years crop I'm not sure. Lex Thomas #3 Fr has a second gear the others quite don't but occasionally makes the wrong read in which the coaches got on him about. Whitely also looked decent and if I had to choose I'd think he'd be the starter but Xzavier Campbell #35 Fr could be a dark horse. That guy looks like a load but carries his weight well and has good feet for his size.

Overall both sides of the ball made their share of plays but they still look a ways away from being ready but you can see the potential. I like the way the coaches ride them and will hint on the most minute details. But they also picked the guys up and gave them credit when they made plays as well.

 

[Pistol Pete 1]

Hey Buzz, I haven't really mentioned the quarterback because as 88 said there really isn't a competition going on. It's Decker all the way and if he gets hurt we could be in serious trouble. He's is taking the lion's share of the snaps out there. And I agree with 88 in that Sneed looks like a natural. His High School numbers were off the chart both passing and running. He has descent size and really good arm strength. Hopefully he will pick up the offense in a hurry and get some live action this next week so we can see what he's got. The number 2 & 3 quarterbacks are both good runners but they don't have much size and they could get racked up in a hurry. I will be back out on Tuesday to check them out in pads.

 

[cbuz75]

Thanks Pete. I figured as much; Decker's the guy.

Seeing the reports posted so far, I am so glad that this camp isn't up in Ely. I think we'll get a lot more content from posters with locals being able to swing by camp on a whim.

 

[bcvegaspt]

That and it doesn't alienate the local media being in Las Vegas, too. Maybe that was the initial intent by the coaches when they moved in to Ely but these coaches embrace the media and attention.

 

[RebelinWA]

I ll be down there on tuesday, to see the first pads practice. I m excited.

 

[depuppy3]

The former HC had an issue with media in past at Montana and was often criticized for his secretive ways. He has a distrust and it impacted his relationship with some local media. Also alienated program from fans here.

 

[XFactorRebel]

Blake seems really well spoken, watching some interviews. Not totally related to this thread, just wanted to say it. I'm excited for the season to start. I'm not looking for anything over night, but I am truly excited so see it all unfold.

 

[DocRebel]

Decker is a smart kid and well respected by his teammates. He's a bit older having served a two-year Mormon mission after redshirting a year at BYU. He then spent 2 more years in JC prior to joining the Rebels. His maturity level is noticeable.

If the OL can give solid protection and if the RBs can alleviate pressure with solid rushing and blocking I think Decker will do really well. Last year the OL leaked too much and UNLV's ground game was last in the MWC. That alone puts additional pressure on a QB on top of having to adjust to D1 ball. The defense needs to also help Decker this season with stops, field positioning, and avoiding having to always play "catch up".

The entire team needs improving, including Decker, but last year I saw flashes of potential in Decker and think he can be really good when everything is clicking. Of course, those moments of having the team firing on all cylinders have been few and far between. Hope to see that start changing more and more with this new staff.