A week ago, Willie Fritz told us the Spring game would look a lot like a practice, and it did. Structured pretty much the same way, with just a little more scrimmage time at the end. He held out most of the first-string guys in order to get a better look at his depth and to prevent injury. UH went through 15 practices without any significant injuries. As of now, UH should be full strength headed into summer workouts. Will James pulled up about 10 days ago and has not practiced since; however, he’s been working with S&C during practice and should be back to 100% very soon.
During 7-on-7 and team periods, I thought the defense got the better of the offense for the most part. In 11-on-11, the Viking Zane Smith picked up a fourth-and-three with a tough run to the right. Two plays later, Muizz Tounkara cut across the field and snagged a ball from Keisean Henderson and took it in for a score. Later, early-enrollee defensive back Paris Melvin scooped a fumble and took it in for a score.
Five guys I thought had a great spring:
Conner Weigman (QB) – His arm strength and accuracy were on display for 15 sessions. He’s more confident and definitely more loose. Conner says he has a plan for the summer to lock in and be even better for the Fall.
Mu Tounkara (WR) – There is good depth in the WR room, but he’s a starter for me if the season began today. At 6’3″, he has a decisive gait and gets upfield quickly. Think he brings some toughness to the position group.
Ashton Porter (DL) – The Oregon transfer made his presence felt the entire spring. He’s versatile – good against the run and as a pass rusher – and has surprising burst into the backfield.
Patrick Overmyer (TE) – Overmiddle was known for his blocking ability when he came in, but has mastered the intricacies of playing TE for Willie Fritz and Slade Nagle. He’s an excellent route runner who hits his spots, and he’s a dependable pass catcher. He will be good in game one, but I think he’ll improve quite a bit as the season progresses.
Zac Yoakum (K) – There’s no reason to name a starting kicker in the Spring, and Yoakum, Evan Noel, and Jonathan Dimas will go into Fall camp each with a shot at kickoffs and placekicks. But Yoakum’s leg has looked stronger on both kickoffs and FGs.
