If anyone was hoping for a relevant quarterback update today, well… I’m sorry to disappoint. All indications in the race between Horn and Pribula point to it spilling over to week one against Central Arkansas, much like the battle between Horn and Cook did in 2023.
Today brought additional clarity to the offensive line, though. My notes on that situation and more from Monday’s indoor practice:
Offense
- Cayden Green hyped the team up and led them in Tiger jacks right before the start of practice today. The newly announced AP Preseason Second Team All-American is taking an increasingly important role on and off the field for the team…
- The offensive line seems to be getting settled after a surprising shake up just a week ago. Green sat out the first part of sled blocking drills today, but once he entered the fray he was alongside Dominic Giudice, Connor Tollison, Curtis Peagler and Keagen Trost.
- Drinkwitz has stated the Peagler and Tristan Wilson are battling for the final starting spot on the line, but Peagler has consistently been getting the reps with the first team since the switch. I’m expecting this to be the line we see week one barring another surprising change.
- We didn’t get to see many offense vs. defense drills, but the team ran a drill at one point where a wide receiver went up against two defenders after making a catch in open space (with boundaries of approximately 20 yards and a third of the field’s width).
- Joshua Manning stood out during that brief portion of the practice, evading both defenders (though it was a non-tackle drill). That’s an encouraging sign given the offense’s focus on getting the ball to its playmakers in space.
Special Teams
- Blake Craig was absolutely nails today, though a big caveat is warranted since the performance came indoors with no wind. He sent each successive kick through the uprights during a drill where the special teams squad rushed from field position to field position, likely trying to mimic a situation where the group would need to quickly get on the field and kick a field goal with time running low on the clock.
- DeMarion Fowlkes and Anthony Favrow were again seen practicing with the kick return unit, both on short kicks and full kickoffs. Like I mentioned in my article a few days ago, I’d expect them to serve as backups at the returner spot and possibly see some action there during the nonconference buy games.
- For what it’s worth, Tavorus Jones and Jamal Roberts were also seen briefly practicing as returners. I wouldn’t expect to see them used in that role during the regular season, though.
Make sure to check back later for Rory’s notes on athletics director Laird Veatch’s press conference, plus
our coverage of the final day of fall camp Tuesday.
