4/13/17- Practice Notes
By: Daniel House
There wasn’t much to take away from today’s practice as it was rather situational, but here are a few of my observations:
– The Gophers had a quick and up-tempo practice that ended with a four-stage set of pressure situations for the specialists. The kickers, punters, and long snappers had to execute the task or the team ran sprints. It took awhile for this to be accomplished, but Fleck always tells his players “control what you can control.” He wants pressure to become an instinct for his players. That’s why he places them in these situations.
– There wasn’t as much 11-on-11 action today, but quarterback Conor Rhoda completed a beautiful deep ball to wide receiver Drew Hmielewski. Hmielewski ran a great route to get separation and Rhoda placed the ball perfectly in his stride.
– Hmielewski, a dual-sport athlete at the U, has shown some growth throughout spring ball. His overall technique has gotten better and his ball tracking has continually progressed throughout the spring.
– Wide receiver Clay Geary is a sneaky player who runs smooth routes and adjusts to the ball well in traffic. I would like to see him develop more consistent hands, but he can be effective out of the slot when he hauls it in.
– The third wide receiver spot is wide open and the Gophers continue to rotate players at this spot. Eric Carter, Matt Morse, and Melvin Holland Jr. are all viable options. It will come down to which player can distinguish themselves heading into fall ball.
– Conor Rhoda still has moments in practice where he will make an odd decision with the ball. However, he was more consistent today. Demry Croft has a nice tight spiral on the ball and his arm talent is the best of all the quarterbacks. He placed some excellent deep balls in QR/WR drills. In team drills, Croft has moments where he struggles with accuracy, especially across the middle. The quarterback race is close, but it won’t be decided until we progress toward the fall.
– I like what I’m seeing early this season from Donnell Greene. His frame looks to be improved and he is really responding well to the coaching from Ed Warinner. I think he has the chance to be the most improved lineman on the team this year. However, I want to see him in more physical contact situations to judge him completely. His footwork and body frame are much improved though.
– Jacob Huff continues to make plays at practice. He beautiful jumped a Conor Rhoda throw in a team session for an interception. P.J. Fleck again praised Huff and said after practice that he wants to get his four kids Huff jerseys.
– Antoine Winfield Jr. had a nice pass breakup and continues to smother wide receivers with exceptional hip swivel, mirroring, and ball skills. Winfield Jr. is the complete package and looks even more improved than last year. He has a chance to be a high draft pick in a few years.
– I’m also seeing impressive growth from cornerback Antonio Shenault. He is in position to make plays because he is performing at a fundamentally sound level. He mirrors well, his footwork is smooth, and he can make plays on the ball. Shenault has really elevated his game to the next level. He’ll be a strong contributor this year.
– Shannon Brooks did not practice today and P.J. Fleck said he may not play during the spring game. With the high volume of injuries already facing the team, Fleck doesn’t want to risk anything.
– The weather is calling for rain on Saturday, but P.J. Fleck said his players will be there rain or shine. He hopes the fans will make it out too. The Gophers will play in live action and Fleck said he will score the game with his unique twist. It’s something you won’t want to miss.