IT stuff:
Given the way I view the football calendar, the season begins in less than a week.
Thursday marked the last workout before the team reports for fall camp next Tuesday. After reporting, the program begins practice on Wednesday. With just a brief break before the start of camp, Steve Sarkisian addressed the team. According to those who interact with Sark, he’s pleased with where the team stands as it exits summer workouts. The players are working hard and hitting new speed PRs to boot. Leadership is in a good place. Overall, the head man appears happy with the state of his program.
The proof is in the pudding. Sark gave them a half-day off today, and this week was yet another de-load period—balancing good effort with smart recovery. The players didn’t grind themselves into the ground. Sark is as focused on January as he is on September—or August 30, for that matter.
Actually, that might not be accurate. There is a ton of focus on Ohio State already. The coaches have used it as motivation and see it as another opportunity to set the tone and springboard team confidence into the season. A good performance in Columbus would lend credibility to what everyone believes has been a great offseason. Other teams that are periodically brought up include Georgia and Florida.
With that preamble out of the way, let’s get into some player intel.
Wide Receiver
Joe Cook sent out roundtable questions, and Ian and I both mentioned Ryan Wingo as a potential fall camp MVP. With Wingo on our minds, we asked for the latest on the sophomore. Said one source: “I think he’ll be a top-5 wide receiver this year.” He continued, “He’s leaner, stronger, faster, and playing faster with more time in the system. Super fast.” Good enough for me.
Inside Texas asked who had a good week, and Aaron Butler was mentioned. He made a number of contested catches and continues to mature. With that in mind, the source was asked whether Parker Livingstone was still expected to be WR4. He wasn’t having any of that—he thinks Livingstone is in contention for WR3 alongside Emmett Mosley. “That’s a real battle.”
While this source remains the highest on Daylan McCutcheon among the freshmen for this year, he also noted that Jaime Ffrench and Kaliq Lockett have become much more consistent.
Ethan Burke
I have a sneaky suspicion the senior is going to break out after a solid—but not great—junior year. While we marvel at the young depth, we also emphasize the importance of experience. “He’s the man this year. No more special teams or sitting behind Barryn Sorrell. He looks the best he’s ever looked physically and is a leader.” These kinds of statements usually portend good things.
Special Teams
After talking about Burke, I discussed Lance Jackson with the source. You probably noticed the brief article on his explosiveness on Thursday. While we’re not sure what to expect from Jackson this year, the source is extremely confident he’s going to become a stud. This season, however, might be more focused on special teams (punt and kick) and spot duty at Edge.
Other freshmen who might make a special teams impact include:
Jonah Williams: “for sure”
Daylan McCutcheon: “competing to return”
Graceson Littleton: “because he’ll do anything to get on the field”
Rickey Stewart: thanks to “speed and will run through a brick wall”
From the sound of it, Stewart is right in line with previous special teams/running backs like Keilan Robinson and Tre Wisner.
Weight Room Standouts
Given the Jackson post, I asked about other weight room studs. Sophomore defensive tackle Melvin Hills was mentioned. The source believes Hills will become a contributor if he sticks with the program (double entendre). Manny Muhammad was also brought up due to increased dedication. He’s always been a technique guy, but now he’s stronger—and playing like it. Sophomore linebacker Tyanthony Smith has been mentioned many times for his work ethic in the gym, and he was mentioned again recently: “Bigger, stronger, works his butt off.”