With three practices remaining including the
Cherry-Silver
game this Saturday in Santa Fe UNM spring football practice is
beginning to
wind down. The Lobos were in shells only on Wednesday and the
practice
itself was a bit shorter than in previous sessions. The
quarterbacks,
receivers, and defensive backs moved to center stage today as the team
carried
out passing game one on one and later 7 on 7 drills. The Hitmen
and Lobo
DL were not seen much this afternoon as they worked on individual
drills and
technique.
The passing game one on one drill a scenario that involves
the quarterback and two wide receivers that are both locked in man
coverage
showcased the talents of a few players that have not seen many reps
during live
scrimmaging. So. WR Nick Wilhelm, a local product from Los Lunas,
made a
nice grab in the end zone after beating his defender on a deep
post.
CB LaVone Ealy from Denver had
several
passes defended during this portion of practice as well. Later
So.
transfer Bryant Williams made some solid possession catches as did Jr.
Daryl Jones. On the defensive side of the ball Jr. wolf safety Frankie Solomon
continued to shine and made a fantastic pass breakup on a ball intended
for Sr.
Jermaine McQueen.
Frankie Solomon
7 on 7 drills allowed for a bit a more realism as the Lobo
offense was able to employ its full formations with the absence of the
offensive line. WR's Chris Hernandez, Roland Bruno, and Bryant
Williams
all were in top form during this segment. Las
Cruces product Hernandez scored once on a deep post and made
another
reception on a deep corner route for a big gain. The So.
possesses
deceptive speed with his long strides and continues to impress with his
concentration and ability to track and adjust to the ball. His
hands,
leaping ability, and aforementioned deceptive speed all conjure up
images of
Hank Baskett III, another Lobo receiver that wore #18.
Roland Bruno is emerging as the Lobos' toughest receiver, a
fact that may surprise some as he is listed at only 5-10 and 166
lbs. The
Jr. from Beaumont, TX is fearless
dragging across
the middle of the field and does not let the footsteps of approaching
linebackers and defensive backs affect his ability to secure the
ball. Bruno
demonstrated the kind of game that he is capable of having in last
season's New Mexico Bowl victory and
some encore performances
are expected in 2008.
Also impressive was Bryant Williams, a highly regarded JUCO
transfer from Coffeyville CC that originally signed with Coach Dave
Baldwin at Michigan State.
Williams’s runs precise routes,
possesses sure hands, and secures the ball well after the catch.
On one
play during 7 on 7 drills he was sent out of the huddle late and did
not appear
to know the play or his responsibility. Williams ran hard, found
an
opening in the defense and was targeted by QB Donovan Porterie.
The ball
arrived just as the So. WR turned around and Williams had no trouble
securing
it and turning up field for a solid gain. His ability to make the
catch
after being rushed out onto the field and without expecting the ball
speaks
volumes about his hands and concentration.
Other notable performers included Fr-RS Blair Peterson. The 6-3 southpaw QB showed a nice touch on the majority
of his
passes today and appears to have improved his throwing mechanics from
last
season. A competition appears to be ongoing for the backup QB
role and
Peterson may yet have a chance to land this position when practice
resumes in
the fall.
Sr. CB Glover Quin had a fantastic interception during 7 on
7 drills after making a quick break in front of the intended receiver
on a stop
route. Former La Cueva star Frankie Baca also had an interception
on a
tipped ball, showing great awareness from his safety position.
Offensive Player of the Practice:
WR
Roland Bruno:
The Lobos' #3 receiver last year looks very confident thus
far during spring camp and is catching most everything thrown his
way. He
has also established himself as perhaps the team's most ferocious
blocker from
the WR position. The Jr. from Beaumont,
TX
looks poised to teach opposing MWC defenses that often big things come
in small
packages.
Defensive Player of the Practice:
CB
Glover Quin. For the second time this spring Sr.
Glover Quin was the standout player on the defensive side of the
ball.
Granted the Lobo DL and linebacking corps did not see much action today
due to
the nature of 7 on 7 drills but Quin's interception was truly a thing
of
beauty. His closing speed appeared to be top notch and perhaps
best of
all the pick occurred near the goal line and would have resulted in a
defensive
TD in a game situation.
505/575 Pride:
WR
Nick Wilhelm. So. Los Lunas High graduate
Wilhelm stepped up during one on one drills today during a period when
those
high above him on the depth chart were making mistakes. Walk-on
players
such as Wilhelm have a very difficult job as their opportunities to
perform on
the field are limited. Without the benefit of many practice reps
to get
into a rhythm Wilhelm was able to separate from defenders and make sure
handed
catches. His effort and performance under pressure did New Mexico proud today.