| 08 March 2010
Bob held his Pre Spring Practice Press Conference today
Some news and notes (TaW staff editorial comments are in paraphrases):
- Great winter workout by team (Contrary to popular opinion, Bob doesn't always say that.)
- Ben Habern and Jarvis Jones back after Spring Break. (This is huge news for OL development. Both players were presumed to be out until Summer)
- Gabe Ikard and Eric Mensik are going to be getting a lot of reps at OL. Ikard at guard and center. Mensik at OT. (Their absence leaves a huge opportunity for JUCO transfer Lane Johnson and James Hanna. Johnson is a big TE target with speed and Hanna has a chance to take over the position. Both players need to impress the coaches before Haywood and Millard arrive)
- Bob feels that the WRs play in the Stanford game was a huge positive heading into the offseason. (Bob means the rotation of Reynolds, Broyles, and Miller)
- Bob really thinks that Gabe Ikard will be a contributor next season. Either interior OL or at blocking TE. (might allow Mensik to stay at OT and still provide a power running game from a two TE look)
- OL, unlike last winter, was a very strong group in conditioning and working out. Corey Brandon becoming more of a leader.
- DT Justin Chaisson at 275 already. Will add more good weight down the road. (Chaisson's frame can easily hold 285-290 with great mobility. He was 285 at Under Armour game last year and dominated)
- Stephenson was the 2nd most talented OL on the roster last year, behind Trent Williams. (His loss due to academics was huge.)
- LBs. Ronnell - SAM/MIKE/WILL, Wort- MIKE/WILL, Ibiloye- SAM, Austin Box- SAM/MIKE/WILL
- Ryan Broyles won't return kickoffs. Demarco might return kickoffs again.
- Coach Wright to be in charge of special teams
- Ryan Reynolds working in the football office. No room right now for a grad assistant. He wants to get into coaching.
- Pro Day happens tomorrow. (Jermaine Gresham, Dominique Franks, Brian Jackson, Trent Williams, Keenan Clayton, No Sam)
