Practice Report From Inside Football Ops | Q&A Now Open

The offense performed better today in full-team periods, ultimately winning the 11-on-11 segment with touchdowns on the last two drives. (One led by Landen Clark & one led by Husan Longstreet)

Ty Benefield was the most impressive defensive player during practice. He had lockdown coverage of Jackson Harris down the sideline on a couple reps and broke up multiple passes. He also intercepted a deep ball intended for Philly Wright in the end zone. (Thrown by Longstreet)

DJ Pickett had an interception on an out route to open 7-on-7 portion of practice where Husan Longstreet underthrew the ball.

Havon Finney added an interception on a deep ball along the sideline during 7-on-7. (Was covering Philly Wright) His coverage skills are impressive and he will undoubtedly push for CB3 spot. I really think he will be CB3 come week 1.

Jhase Thomas also came up with a key interception over the middle in the red zone on a great adjustment to the ball. Interception was thrown by Landen Clark.

Despite that, the offense responded well. Jackson Harris found success attacking the middle, hauling in a touchdown on a drag route during 11-on-11 work. (TD thrown by Longstreet)

Winnie Watkins added another score on a well-executed screen pass to the left, with Seaton leading the way on the block.

Philly Wright capped things off with a touchdown on the first play of the final series, reinforcing the offense’s strong finish. (TD thrown on a seam route by Longstreet)

Injury note: WR Tre Brown (Ole Dominion) was limited and seen in a boot while working on the exercise bike. He DNP in the rest of the practice.

Whit Weeks participated in position drills but DNP in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11. Leavitt DNP but was out there taking mental reps behind the QB on every series.

Special teams had a rough day - punters were inconsistent with distance and both Winnie Watkins & Jayce Brown muffed a punt return rep.
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Depth Chart Notes:

Dilin Jones ran with the 1s today, Harlem Berry ran with the 2s, and Caden Durham ran with the 3s. Figured I should note that. Jones was the most impressive player on offense today. He has a quick initial burst and fights for extra yards on every rep. He will be a big factor for us this season.

Umanmielen & Ross 1st team edges
Dylan Carpenter, Jaylen Brown ran as 2s

DT was rotated continuously, tough to nail down who was running with 1s

Finney is legit. Flashes of freshman Stingley but it’s still early. I’m super excited about him.

TJ Dottery blew up multiple runs for a loss while playing MLB lined up over the guard/center.

OL looked great today outside of a couple reps as mentioned above when Dottery burst through the line for a TFL. Seaton locked up Umanmielen in all reps I saw. Seaton is a more well-rounded player than Will Campbell, who was also in attendance for today’s practice.

Jamarcus Russell was also present for the second time this week.

Overall: Offensive unit finished strong and was productive in team periods, but turnovers and special teams consistency remain areas to clean up.

Feel free to ask questions about anything in particular as well and I’ll answer to the best of my ability.