Scott Robinson
The crew behind the picked-up pace seem to be enjoying themselves lately. At the very least, there was a smile adorned on Coach Mora’s face as the team continued their work on Day Ten.
Coach Mora, in what must be the college football version of a Johnny Cash get-up, looked pleased with his black hat, black long sleeve and black gym shorts.
After practice, Mora confided: “It was a good day for us.”
Notwithstanding the injuries to the LB core, with Patrick Larimore (concussion), Jordan Zumwalt (stomach), Aaron Wallace (concussion) and Anthony Barr (quadriceps), the coach was still in high spirits after practice.
Rightfully so: The defense is starting to look pretty good.
Again with the first team was LB Isaiah Bowens, who was flanked by LB’s Damien Holmes, Eric Kendricks and Keenan Graham. Also getting time with the one’s was LB Aramide Olaniyan, who had another strong performance when given the opportunity.
During the 11-on-11’s, Olaniyan found himself in the right spot to intercept a ball tipped by DC Anthony Jefferson, who also had a great day.
Later on in practice, Jefferson was involved in another dust-up with WR Tyler Scott—To the point that it required Coach Ulbrich to step in and toss the players aside. Even with the scramble, Jefferson’s name is beginning to get noticed.
Coach Mora on Jefferson: “Gets a little better everyday… He’s becoming a legitimate player to me. He’s tough, he’s aggressive, he’s physical, he’s playing with more confidence…”
“All good teams know how to finish.”
With the gray sky and a chill in the air, it was the perfect sort of day to test the team’s consistency
“I think having this kind of weather helps a little bit,” said Mora.
Whatever the case, today’s efforts pushed through until the end.
Between the strong secondary showing during the 11-on-11’s (quite a few picks again) and the level of intensity witnessed at the end of practice in the Oklahoma-type Drill, the defense continues to flesh out a stout and consistent mentality.
They are here to dominate.
