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House Report: Practice Notes, Robb Smith Talks Defensive Philosophy
4/6- Practice Notes
By: Daniel House
The quarterback battle is tough to analyze due to limited 11-on-11 work. I want to see more reads and progressions with a tight pocket. However, Demry Croft is showing off his arm talent and has nice touch on his deep throws. Over the last two practices, Conor Rhoda has struggled with accuracy and decision-making. His passes have been errant on a few occasions. I think the race is narrowing every day, but it’s tough to fully evaluate until fall ball. If I’m handing the race to a winner right now, I’d give the slight edge to Croft.
The wide receiver positon is where I’m seeing the most growth. Matt Simon is incredible at working 1-on-1 to refine the technique of his players. I see the footwork and body control of Melvin Holland Jr. improving every day. He gets off the line of scrimmage and is able to create separation. After creating separation, he has the ball skills to track the pass into his frame. Tyler Johnson is also being utilized all over the field. He can be placed in unique situations to utilize his skill-set. His overall technique is improving as he continues to work with the coaching staff. I’m curious to see how he progresses over time.
The limitations up front make it difficult to evaluate the offensive side of the ball. There isn’t much 11-on-11 occurring, which limits the time the offensive line has to communicate and learn within the blocking scheme. When the blocking scheme is implemented, the Gophers are going to have success on the ground because I love the power running game that will come out of the system. It was an underrated aspect of the Western Michigan offense.
On the defensive side of the ball, I love the way Bryce Paup is coaching up Tai’yon Devers and Carter Coughlin as stand up rushers. If their athleticism can be utilized and paired with solid pass rushing moves/footwork, the sky is the limit. I love how the coaches are shifting their playmakers around and pulling out the best in their games.
In the defensive backfield, Kiondre Thomas looks the part and will be an impact player as an outside cornerback. His physicality and ball skills are far beyond where I thought they would be. Also, Antonie Winfield Jr. can do so many things at a high level. He can play in the slot, outside, and at safety. The defensive backfield continues to evolve with guys like Zo Craighton and Antonio Shenault making strides in the spring.
Another aspect I love is the involvement of the special teams units. They are placed in pressure situations during every practice. This is teaching the players to make pressure an instinct. Not only are the specialists getting quality work, but the instruction of alignments and settling into blocks is very impressive. The 1-on-1 coaching across all position groups is such a strength. This staff places a strong emphasis on player development, which will pay dividends down the stretch. The emphasis on doing things the little things right will add up when other teams get tired in the fourth quarter.
Robb Smith Notes:
Gophers defensive coordinator Robb Smith on Fleck: “I always thought he was a fantastic position coach. He was always striving for the best from his guys.”
Smith said he and Fleck connected at Rutgers and crossed over for a short time in Tampa Bay.
Smith noted that the defense will be a 4-3, but they will use four linebackers when necessary. He said the defense will be tailored to the talent they have on that side of the ball. In addition, he added that the safety spot will be interchangeable and dependent upon matchups.
Smith on what he is most impressed with about the team: “I like our guys’ attitudes. I think they’ve bought into the culture P.J. has brought here.” He added, “to me it’s all about purpose and getting players in the right position.”
He said that he’s excited to work with defensive line coach Bryce Paup because of the level of instruction he can bring to the table.
He also had high marks for Steven Richardson: “Richardson had a great couple of weeks. I’m very pleased with what he can do inside.” Smith said he thinks they can overcome depth problems on the interior D-Line because he likes what he has saw from Andrew Stetler, Merrick Jackson, and Richardson.
4/6- Practice Notes
By: Daniel House
The quarterback battle is tough to analyze due to limited 11-on-11 work. I want to see more reads and progressions with a tight pocket. However, Demry Croft is showing off his arm talent and has nice touch on his deep throws. Over the last two practices, Conor Rhoda has struggled with accuracy and decision-making. His passes have been errant on a few occasions. I think the race is narrowing every day, but it’s tough to fully evaluate until fall ball. If I’m handing the race to a winner right now, I’d give the slight edge to Croft.
The wide receiver positon is where I’m seeing the most growth. Matt Simon is incredible at working 1-on-1 to refine the technique of his players. I see the footwork and body control of Melvin Holland Jr. improving every day. He gets off the line of scrimmage and is able to create separation. After creating separation, he has the ball skills to track the pass into his frame. Tyler Johnson is also being utilized all over the field. He can be placed in unique situations to utilize his skill-set. His overall technique is improving as he continues to work with the coaching staff. I’m curious to see how he progresses over time.
The limitations up front make it difficult to evaluate the offensive side of the ball. There isn’t much 11-on-11 occurring, which limits the time the offensive line has to communicate and learn within the blocking scheme. When the blocking scheme is implemented, the Gophers are going to have success on the ground because I love the power running game that will come out of the system. It was an underrated aspect of the Western Michigan offense.
On the defensive side of the ball, I love the way Bryce Paup is coaching up Tai’yon Devers and Carter Coughlin as stand up rushers. If their athleticism can be utilized and paired with solid pass rushing moves/footwork, the sky is the limit. I love how the coaches are shifting their playmakers around and pulling out the best in their games.
In the defensive backfield, Kiondre Thomas looks the part and will be an impact player as an outside cornerback. His physicality and ball skills are far beyond where I thought they would be. Also, Antonie Winfield Jr. can do so many things at a high level. He can play in the slot, outside, and at safety. The defensive backfield continues to evolve with guys like Zo Craighton and Antonio Shenault making strides in the spring.
Another aspect I love is the involvement of the special teams units. They are placed in pressure situations during every practice. This is teaching the players to make pressure an instinct. Not only are the specialists getting quality work, but the instruction of alignments and settling into blocks is very impressive. The 1-on-1 coaching across all position groups is such a strength. This staff places a strong emphasis on player development, which will pay dividends down the stretch. The emphasis on doing things the little things right will add up when other teams get tired in the fourth quarter.
Robb Smith Notes:
Gophers defensive coordinator Robb Smith on Fleck: “I always thought he was a fantastic position coach. He was always striving for the best from his guys.”
Smith said he and Fleck connected at Rutgers and crossed over for a short time in Tampa Bay.
Smith noted that the defense will be a 4-3, but they will use four linebackers when necessary. He said the defense will be tailored to the talent they have on that side of the ball. In addition, he added that the safety spot will be interchangeable and dependent upon matchups.
Smith on what he is most impressed with about the team: “I like our guys’ attitudes. I think they’ve bought into the culture P.J. has brought here.” He added, “to me it’s all about purpose and getting players in the right position.”
He said that he’s excited to work with defensive line coach Bryce Paup because of the level of instruction he can bring to the table.
He also had high marks for Steven Richardson: “Richardson had a great couple of weeks. I’m very pleased with what he can do inside.” Smith said he thinks they can overcome depth problems on the interior D-Line because he likes what he has saw from Andrew Stetler, Merrick Jackson, and Richardson.
