To watch video of head coach Rick Neuheisel's media conference, click here.
To watch a video interview with quarterback Kevin Prince, click here.
Day 2 of preseason practice is in the books. While practice may be over, football for the day certainly is not. Our guys still have meetings and film, lifting, and treatment this afternoon and into the evening. All important components to our success!
As a coaching staff, it was evident that there was continued growth in a positive direction from both our freshmen and our veterans. If we want to reach the types of goals we've set for ourselves then it is vital that we see those improvement everyday. Strive to be perfect!
Today's practice was similar to yesterday in that, it was split into two separate groups, essentially duplicating the practice to allow more guys to get more reps. Today was again an unpadded practice as we are still in the NCAA mandated acclimation phase of camp. But that certainly did not damper the level of intensity or big plays on both sides of the ball.
A few plays/players that really stuck out. Ricky Marvray had another tremendous day at receiver. He's demonstrating that he can use his speed in the deep routes but also work to get open on the short ones as well. For instance, during one of the team periods Ricky recognized the corner covering him was giving him a cushion of almost 10 yards, he signaled to the QB to change his route. He made the catch for a gain of 8 yards, on 2nd and 5 in a game, those are just the types of plays we need.
Freshmen running back Jordan James is showing his athleticism on nearly every play. And with this new pistol offense we can really showcase our talented backfield.
Taylor Embree continues to be one of the most consistent pieces of our pass offense. He is talented in not only the physical aspect of the game but also in the classroom, a real student. The last two days have been no departure from what was already known, he keeps making catches with his sure hands and is also helpful in tutoring the young receivers.
On defense, the linebacking corps has done a great job for us, particularly in coverage. Walk on linebacker Phil Ruhl has two interceptions in two days while middle linebackers Pat Larimore and Steve Sloan continue to stuff the run. It'll be exciting to see our defense at full speed once the pads are on.
Andrew Abbott also had a great play today during 7 on 7. He made a great break on the ball to break up a pass. As Coach Jones said, "make that an interception rather than a break up and its to the house, 7 points for the Bruins. That's Rose Bowl material".
Unfortunately, DE Datone Jones suffered a fracture in his right foot. There is no timetable for his return, but it will be at least October.
