Some thoughts on Wednesday’s scrimmage from two of our football writers who were in attendance: Martin Marroquin and Ryan Monceaux.
Ryan Monceaux, the guy from GoCoogs: Wednesday’s scrimmage ended up looking more like a regular practice than a full-on scrimmage, but that’s probably to be expected at this point. Judging from the schedule and how it was done last season, I believe the team will have a real scrimmage on August 15.
It’s been clear through eight practices that the talent difference is night and day from the last few years. That thought came into focus more on Wednesday, realizing how freshmen are cracking the two-deep on both sides of the ball (and special teams). Several will impact games starting in the opener. With almost all freshman starting class in January (of what would be their senior year), this will become more and more common.
Martin Marroquin Recruiting+ Football Editor: True freshmen Richmond Ugochukwu and Chance Bryant are getting first-team reps and have stood out. Both are physically impressive.
After the scrimmage, Ugochukwu and Bryant each mentioned that LB Corey Platt has been a mentor to them. Despite his injury struggles, he is still finding ways to be impactful. More on that Friday.
Ryan: There’s an interesting battle between Ethan Sanchez (#92) and Zac Yoakum (#96) for place kicker. Sanchez has a bigger leg, but Yoakum is more technically sound. I would not be surprised to see each get a chance in the first two games. Both have been excellent in camp. I think Yoakum will handle kickoff duties to start the season.
Martin: Offensive coordinator Slade Nagle seems ready to use Conner Weigman as a runner in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Weigman hasn’t been used much in this way in his career, but he does have the athleticism to make plays.
Ryan: The offensive line seems to be set – it’s been the same since the second day of practice.
LT – #77 David Ndukwe
LG – #73 Jason Brooks
C – #59 Demetrius Hunter
RG – #74 Matthew Wykoff
RT – #75 Dalton Merryman
This offensive line is poised to take a significant step forward from last year. Merryman and Wykoff should be much better at run-blocking on the right side than what UH had last year.
Martin: Harvey Broussard looks like his frame and radius will be highlighted in the red zone. Expect him to get mismatch and jump ball opportunities.
Ryan: On Thursday night, the two PK units (holder, snapper, kicker) worked on game situations. One situation was the possibility of a decision to kick a field goal well after the 40-second clock had started. The PK units hurried onto the far hash, got set, Sanchez and Yoakum paced off their steps, snapped, held, and kicked it. I don’t think either missed in the several reps they took.
Martin: Latreveon McCutchin has made great physical improvement each year, and this year especially. His role as the DOG in the new defense could see his versatile skill set highlighted. He had a knack for finding the ball last season, and an expanded role could prove fruitful.
Ryan: Mekhi Mews is running first in kick return and punt return, but the staff is still looking at other guys. The surprising guy to look for is not Austin Carlisle but Jaquise Martin, the true freshman from Bryan. At the start of camp, it was hard to find him, but just nine days later, he’s getting solid reps at WR and is rotating in as a punt returner. I expect Mekhi to be the guy on PR, but I’d assume Martin will get some chances early on.
