The Falcons scrimmaged yesterday for the final time before life action starts on September 1 in the Swamp.
I listened to Coach Clawson's presser.
The biggest news is the running game, and he spent a long time talking about it. He first noted, to no one's surprise, how poor a short yardage team we were last year. As a fan, I might add that it wasn't just last year, but anyway.
He says we have five "playable" running backs. Samuel is the starter, with Pettigrew, Hopgood, Givens and Martin also being capable of being productive. Hopgood saw his first "live" action in the scrimmage.
Samuel is small and you always worry about injuries, but with the depth, he won't have to take the carries that, for example, Willie Geter did, and if he is injured there are backs behind him.
Coach was especially happy with the short yardage play. He talked at great length about a play where Pettigrew saw a small crease and gained 2 yards on a 4th and 1.
I think there are roles for all or most of those guys. For example, I can see Samuel getting most of the carries from the base set with Givens spelling him. Hopgood would run the wildcat (which he was really good at) and Pettigrew would be the short yardage and redzone back.
Running isn't just about the backs. Coach continues to be pleased with the progress of the offense line, which he says is stronger and playing in a more cohesive manner.
It is hard to estimate how important it will be for the team to be able to run the ball. Short yardage conversions are just part of it. Because we have an unsettled receiving corps, running the ball moves defenders close to the box and gives the receivers the opportunity to work against fewer guys, which will help them out. Also, it will take pressure off Schilz and allow us to see what he has on a more functioning team.
Beyond that, coach was pleased. He liked the energy. And, he said that both the offense and the defense won parts of the day, which is the way you like it.
One last note. Hunter Maynard is out for the year. Bart Tanski injured his shoulder. Goble will be back next week, they hope. A couple CBs sat out as a precaution.
Maynard played as a true freshman, so he can now redshirt this year and have three years left.
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