Thursday, March 23, 2006

Spring Football Prospectus

From GoPack.com today: 2006 Spring Football Prospectus. It contains precious few tidbits, naturally, but at least it's something. Chuck Amato says "fundamentals are the focus" of spring practice. Kinda like how penalties were the focus last year, and we know how that worked out...

No revelations regarding the defensive line situation:

Of the six players listed on the depth chart at defensive end, only one, John Amanchukwu (6-4, 283, R-Sr.), saw playing time in 2005. Amanchukwu, who actually played tackle last season, enters spring drills as the starter at right end, while Willie Young (6-5, 230, R-Fr.), who redshirted the 2005 campaign, is working with the first team on the left side. Several other redshirts from a year ago, Quentin Brown (6-5, 245, RS-Fr.) Littleton Wright (6-6, 244, R-Jr.) and Matt Kushner (6-4, 241, RS-Fr.), will also see frequent reps this spring.

"With Manny and Mario gone, we are young and inexperienced at end," Amato continued. "We have talented young men out there and a lot of competition, so we have a ton of potential. Now we just have to see who is going to step up."

With DeMario Pressley and Tank Tyler at tackle, State should be fine up the middle, but it is noted in the prospectus that little experience exists behind those two. There's going to be a lot of learning on the job this year.

The tailback position may be one of the most solid spots on the team, boasting more players with game-breaking ability than can possibly line up at one spot. Because of that tremendous depth and talent, Amato and the coaching staff started working Darrell Blackman (5-1, 209, Jr.) at receiver during bowl practices and that transition has continued into the spring.

Oh my god, Darrell Blackman is shrinking!