Most cars passing by the sports complex only noticed the lights at
Isotopes Park. Just across the way, however, the Lobo Football team was burning
the midnight oil. Two-a-days are the time when champions are made and tonight
was no exception. The first half of practice was devoted to the kicking game.
Coach Everett Todd was putting the emphasis on some new coverage schemes as well
as identifying some new kickoff return talent.
Later, in the 505 segments I was going to name Ian Clark formerly of
Highland High as the 505 player but I guess you'll just have to keep reading.
Ian had one really nice kickoff return and look very good fielding kickoffs. It
will be good to see this young man on the grass at Rocky Long Stadium and even
though the rule is freshman don't play; special teams may be the exception. The
punting job is looking good with Tyler Gauss heading into his senior season with
a huge leg and dose of confidence! He is hanging the ball like a big moon in the
sky; virtually every time good hang time and turning it over
consistently.
The second
half of the practice was devoted to some intense competition between the first
team defense and the first team offense. Martelius Epps looked very good tonight
and was making a case for some serious PT after getting banged up in spring
ball. Even though the team was in shorts and helmets the intensity was still
evident.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Michael Tuohy was all over the field tonight and was my
pick for defensive player at this practice. He was timing his blitzes and was
all over the Quarterback most of the time he blitzed. He really has a fast motor
and can almost sense where the offensive player is going and then adjust his
pursuit.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER
#12 Kole Mc Kamey
This
one was close with many guys stepping up but my nod goes to Kole McKamey. His
leadership and cool head put the offense in some good scoring positions and he
threw the deep ball better than I have seen him throw it since camp started. He
threw to different receivers both short and long. Anthony Carter, Travis Brown,
Marcus Smith and John Mulchrone all had good catches,
BUT...
505 Player
#18 Hank Baskett
Hank Baskett continues to impress the heck out of anyone who is within
earshot of the practice field. I say earshot because most of the catches make
people say "ohh" and "ahh" and "holy @#%#$^". Hank had two of the sickest
catches I've ever seen. On one particular catch he twisted his body in midair a
la the contortionist at the circus and made the catch just inches off the
ground! This was just minutes after catching a BOMB from Kole and taking it to
the HOUSE!