Wednesday's nightcap practice took place down in Reser Stadium in front of roughly
100 Beaver faithful. Those in attendance got a bit of a taste of what is to come
as a handful of upperclassmen sat out tonight to rest their aching bodies. The
young pups didn't disappoint however as this past year's recruiting class appears
to be highly underrated by the 'experts'.

Zeke Sanders made his presence felt early by picking off a Peter Lalich pass during
2 minute drills and taking it all the way to the house at the other end. Jordan
Poyer also made several plays throughout the course of practice as he broke up
several passes and also showed that he step up in run support. Both Sanders and
Poyer also appear to be big hitters as both had a hard time keeping receivers
on their feet. Since everyone was just in their shells, the coaches had implemented
a no tackling rule that is designed to keep players upright.

Rashaad Reynolds gave us a look at things to come in the upcoming years as he
looked great returning kicks. He is really something special with the ball in
his hands displaying quick feet, good acceleration, and great ability to read
the field.

Sean Martin also did well returning kicks on the scout team. A couple days ago
I had an opportunity to speak to Tim Clark about the two new corner's and he said
that if they continue to progress at the rate that they are right now, they will
both be very good corners in the near future.

Staying in the secondary, the battle for the starting corner opposite of Clark
continues to be one to keep an eye as Patrick Henderson and James Dockery vie
for the position. Dockery had a couple of pass breakups over the course of practice
but it appears that Henderson might hold a slight edge as he was with the 1st
team for about 60% of the snaps. This battle could end up being one that is decided
depending on whom the Beavs are playing that week.

The safety situation is definitely a make shift ordeal right now as Lance Mitchell,
Cameron Collins and Anthony Watkins continue to sit out of practices nursing their
respected injuries. While Josh LaGrone has held his own back there alongside Suasei Tuimaunei, Mitchell is a ball hawking playmaker and I believe will be the difference
between this secondary being a good one and a very special one.

On the offensive side of the ball, the running backs continue to see their workload
increase with every practice as the coaching staff has started to implement more
of the running game into practice. We all know what Jacquizz Rodgers brings to
the table, he never ceases to amaze me with every aspect of his game. He can do
it all, catching the ball out of the backfield, picking up blitzing linebackers
or corners in pass protection, or breaking off big runs.