IT stuff:
CJ Baxter returned this week, including working 7 on 7—That seemed worthy of its own board note given the precariousness of his injury and uncertainty of his timeline to return, at least as far as his timeline to return to form. Returning to work this week is a good sign he’ll be able to hit August running. Now he has six weeks to knock off some understandable rust.
Tangential to this note, Derek Williams looked better this week than last week after returning from his own knee injury.
Travis Shaw carrying his weight well during workouts—A source said the big senior transfer is moving quite well, even in the heat. If Texas can get 75% of T’Vondre Sweat, Shaw will have been a big addition. Good news, he’s capable of more. Contract year. Shaw was one of the first players mentioned overall.
Matthew Caldwell—It’s quite evident the new QB is mature on and off the field. He impressed this week with his decision-making in 7 on 7, especially given how new he is to the team and playbook. He wasn’t always careful with the ball at Troy. In any event, he’s off to a good start and seems like he can provide what Sark is looking for. (Encouragingly, Caldwell wasn’t specifically asked about. A source said all the QB’s looked good and then went on a Caldwell tangent)
Ryan Niblett living up to his number—He wears No. 21 and that’s what he looks like he’s going to be, a weapon in 21-personnel (two running backs, one tight end). That means screens, check downs, sweeps, and motions. Already the fastest player on the team, he looks the fastest he’s ever been on campus.
Speaking of fast—Trevor Goosby didn’t run 21 MPH but that report gave the program a good laugh. I didn’t even check on that specifically, I just jokingly asked if Niblett was faster than Goosby and the source chuckled and threw cold water on it.
Can he duplicate Matthew Golden’s year?—Deandre Moore looks “exceptional,” per a source. I’ve heard superlatives in the past for Moore but that’s the first time that word was used. Then the sourced added Daylan McCutcheon put together another strong week.
IT asked about Jaime Ffrench and Kaliq Lockett—McCutcheon’s fellow freshmen were asked about this past week in the Q&A. We asked specifically about those two and heard, “Doing well. They’ve improved since the spring.”
A new leader emerging?—Cal transfer tight end Jack Endries is showing good early leadership qualities. He’s also impressing on the field. It sounds like he’s fitting in very nicely. That room is young and in need of a leader.
Putting it all together—Anthony Hill is much better in coverage in 7 on 7 this year than he was last year.