Thoughts from the Final Scrimmage

Pulling concrete information out of an intra-squad scrimmage is more than difficult, and one of the many reasons I am glad I don't coach for a living. If your offense does something great, is it because the offense was good or the defense was bad? And vice versa. So we go back to trying to figure out what we can learn from the things we saw.

First, the talent level on this team is amazing, maybe as good as its ever been. From the ridiculous depth at running back to playmakers at linebacker, the depth and breadth of talent on the Demon team is remarkable.

Let's look at the key position battles...starting with running back. Byron Lawrence, last year's 800-plus yard rusher made a big case for keeping his starting job with a terrific performance in the scrimmage, 144 yards and three TDs. Richuel Massey has been incredibly impressive all camp long and Patrick Earl was listed as the starter going in. Don't forget Antonio Robinson, who has performed well this fall as well, not to mention scintillating freshman Jeremy Jefferson, who will get some touches.

The other major position battles are at QB and in the secondary. The QB situation is very good, with transfer Drew Branch pushing incumbent Germayne Edmond very hard to make him keep his job. Both guys have looked very good at times throughout the fall, so don't be surprised when you see both QBs in the game for the first few games of the year until Scott Stoker can settle on a starter.

In the Demons' 4-2-5 attacking scheme, the five defensive backs are key, especially the free safety (think Russ Washington) who aligns the defense and makes any adjustment calls before the snap. At least three of the five positions are in play right now with All-SLC performer C.L. Grogan locked into one of the two cornerback positions and Gary Riggs seemingly cemented as the strong safety. On the other side at corner is a good battle between Justin Perry and Kasey Brown. At the other two safety spots, the battle rages on. Lance Lacoste, Darrell Kitchen, Chad Bell and Jesse Clark are all in the rotation for the weak and free safety spots. All of these guys have talent but are young, except Kitchen, who has good experience in the secondary both as a corner and a safety.

As you head to Turpin Stadium this season, especially on September 1, I think you will see a very impressive cadre of talent which seems to be more of a team than a collection of players. And I believe that by the end of the season, this Demon team will have surprised everyone and we will be reshuffling our Thanksgiving plans again (in the playoffs).