“They’re a sore, tired, and feel each and every
bump and
bruise on their body,” said Coach Rocky Long. “They feel like every
shot is a
cheap shot.”
One of 3 scrums today involving Hitmen and the LB corps.
I asked Rocky Long about this after Monday afternoon’s
practice where some good ‘ol fashioned fisticuffs broke out. Now don’t
start
thinking this is some lack of chemistry or hatred, like I said this is
old
fashion guys getting after it. Intensity was in high demand today as
the Lobos
worked with helmets and shoulder pads only. Doesn’t mean there wasn’t
good popping
going on.
Brett Kennedy makes his move
Games
are won and lost in the trenches and this year the
Lobo football team has some big fellas on both sides of the ball. I’m
really
enjoying watching the development and depth of both the O-line and the
D-line
this year. Neither side boast much experience, but the talent is there
and the
depth is there, it is up to Coach Lenzmeier and Todd to bring it forth
and I
must say they are doing a great job.
This
afternoon both Kevin Balogun and last week superstar
Wesley Beck weren’t in attendance, I didn’t ask Coach Long, but I’m
going to
assume both had classes today… So what did that mean for the Lobo
D-line? Well
it meant that some of the younger guys were able to get plenty more
reps and
let me tell you right now, they freaking delivered!
#61 Matt Lamb
NT Matt Lamb and Brett Kennedy were large and in
charge
trying to work the middle, rep in and out these guys were getting after
it.
Using their bulk to try to collapse the center. Meanwhile guys like
Kendall Briscoe, Jeremiah Lovato, and Phillip Harrison were moving from the
outside.
They put their hard hats on went to work, but the biggest surprise of
the
day…6-3 240lb Jaymar Latchison
#62 Phillip Harrison
Saturday
afternoon LoboVike was telling me how he would love
to see Jaymar get more reps and see what the freshmen could do… Well
today your
wish came true LoboVike as Jaymar used the speed rush to perfection.
From the
end using his quick feet, Jaymar was able to swim over and float over
any and
all offensive linemen, spending more time in the Lobo offensive
backfield than
ball carriers. One on ones, two on two, stunt drills, scrimmage, thud,
didn’t
matter. Jaymar put on a clinic, and on more than one occasion just
threat of
his speed allowed him to bull rush through, with the o-lineman knowing
at any
time Latchison would float over and blast off.
Now
before I gush all over Jaymar he did run up against Erik Cook a couple of times and the Cook put a stop to all that mess, but
then Cook
was putting a stop to plenty of messes…
#6
in a white jersey?
Coach
Long said that they are trying former Rio Rancho RB
Mike Love at the safety position as the Lobos have a lot of running
backs. Said
Coach Long said they wanted to try Mike out at safety and take
advantage of his
athletic ability.
Jonathan Mader in the house
Current Cibola
HS senior and future Lobo Jonathan Mader was
in attendance today and told me that UNM is going to have him play QB.
Mader
said he has been at practice to get a head start for next season. Mader
said
physically he feels he can match up right now, but he has to learn how
to be a
D-I QB and learn how to read defenses. Mader also said that he believes
Cibola
WR Brandon Simpson will be walking on to UNM, and he hopes that big Rio Mares
will take a look at UNM as well.
In the End Zone
McQueen
had a nice catch and run off the WR screen for a 40
yard scamper walking the sideline.
Fr-Rs
James Wright went right up the gut for a score
dragging a guy or two with him. Watch out for Wright as he has the
stuff to be
a superstar!
Offensive Player of Practice
#69
Erik Cook
Like the freaking stone wall today, didn’t matter
who came
to line up against #69 they were stoned at the line. Cook thus far is
having a
super spring as the elder statesman just continues to lead by example.
Defensive Player Of Practice
Jaymar Latchison
By far the easiest choice I have ever had to make. Jaymar
used his speed to the ultimate advantage today… A clinic I tell you. A
clinic!