BeaversEdge.com continues coverage of Oregon State spring football. Today was day six of spring practice, and we have all of the newsworthy nuggets from practice.
“We want to continue to improve, work hard and play together,” Clune said. “We want to get better in stopping the run game and doing better on third downs.”
Clune on what has been most impressive...
“Our veterans have really come out to play,” Clune said. “Manase Hungalu has been playing fast and that’s impressive. Other than that, there has been lots of good and lots of bad.”
Manase Hungalu on spring ball...
“I think we are making progress,” Hungalu said. “Everybody is getting into the playbook and knowing the film, and we are getting better day by day.”
Hungalu on improving pass rush...
“More pass rush is going to come with more fundamental techniques,” Hungalu said. “Working the hands, overall strength in the weight room, speed and all the little things that accumulate to rushing the passer.”
Brandon Arnold on his team goal...
“On the second day of winter conditioning I told the team that I want the Rose Bowl and nothing less,” Arnold said. “I want the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl or Capital One Bowl. I want something that is going to be legendary and that is going to hold legacy for the next seniors coming up.”
Defensive Coordinator Kevin Clune
Inside linebacker Manase Hungalu
Safety Brandon Arnold
- The most interesting part of practice today? For the first part of the open portion, ladders replaced the defensive line. It was interesting to see Jake Luton and Conor Blount have to pass over and around these very tall ladders. That portion lasted for about 10 minutes.
- Speaking of that session, the quarterbacks only had 3-4 seconds to get the snap and release. By the time that the air horn sounded, the ball had to leave their hands. Needless to say, Luton did a much better job than Blount did. Marcus McMaryion and Darell Garretson did not take partake in that session.
- Speaking of Luton, he was the first quarterback to take reps again today. He was sharper today, after not being super accurate on Thursday.
- In terms of the offense as a whole, they definitely had the defense’s number in the 11-on-11 work. Whether it was Luton, Garretson, or McMaryion at quarterback, the offense moved quickly and efficiently down the field.
- Isaiah Hodgins was still with the second unit, but today was by far and away the most comfortable he has been in the offense. He was able to catch several really nice throws and make the first DB miss several times.
- Another note on Luton: He is going through his progressions really well. He is very comfortable in the pocket, and his footwork allows him to go through his reads for just a split second longer, giving him the opportunity to find the open man.
- The quarterbacks didn’t really let it loose on the deep ball today. I would say that 90% of all the passes thrown were 5-15 yards. Emphasis was on quick, short passes.
- As I mentioned earlier, Blount was the second QB to take reps, however it was with the second unit. Blount again struggled with accuracy in the pocket, almost throwing two interceptions on his first two throws.
- Jaylynn Bailey was by far and away the most active running back today. Bailey was blasting through holes and defenders, often dragging two or three guys with him. On one occasion he broke three tackles before being taken down.
- Earlier in the week Luton mentioned he doesn’t mind running the ball; the best example today? Luton kept the ball on a bit of a speed option and juked out two linebackers for a nifty 5-6 yard gain. The guy is definitely comfortable running the rock.
- Christian Wallace continues to be with the second team, however, he appears to be getting more and more comfortable at the corner position. It seems like the staff wants him to play corner as opposed to safety.
- Kicker News! I haven’t reported on the kickers so far this spring season, but today was the first day that they attempted field goals during practice. The MVP? Jordan Choukair. Choukair was 3-3 from 25, 40, and 45 yards respectively. Given the kicking game struggles from Garrett Owens last season, coach Andersen and Beaver fans will be looking for consistency from the kicker position moving forward and I believe Choukair provides that.
- After not being involved on Thursday, Garretson looked a step faster and extremely motivated today. He was calling out the signals with moxy and swagger, and led the offense down the field in quick fashion. If I was to rank QB’s today: Luton, Garretson, McMaryion, and Blount in that order.
- Seth Collins sighting! Collins is not participating in spring practice after recovering from his illness, but it was good to see him at practice today on the sidelines. He was sporting that signature smile of his, tossing a football up and down.
- The MVP of practice? No doubt it was Hunter Jarmon. Jarmon made three incredible sideline toe-tap catches from McMaryion to finish up the practice session. They were spectacular, falling out of bounds type catches, and Jarmon corralled all three of them. Kudos to Jarmon.
Quotable
Kevin Clune on what he wants to see from defense moving forward..
“We want to continue to improve, work hard and play together,” Clune said. “We want to get better in stopping the run game and doing better on third downs.”
Clune on what has been most impressive...
“Our veterans have really come out to play,” Clune said. “Manase Hungalu has been playing fast and that’s impressive. Other than that, there has been lots of good and lots of bad.”
Manase Hungalu on spring ball...
“I think we are making progress,” Hungalu said. “Everybody is getting into the playbook and knowing the film, and we are getting better day by day.”
Hungalu on improving pass rush...
“More pass rush is going to come with more fundamental techniques,” Hungalu said. “Working the hands, overall strength in the weight room, speed and all the little things that accumulate to rushing the passer.”
Brandon Arnold on his team goal...
“On the second day of winter conditioning I told the team that I want the Rose Bowl and nothing less,” Arnold said. “I want the Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl or Capital One Bowl. I want something that is going to be legendary and that is going to hold legacy for the next seniors coming up.”
Defensive Coordinator Kevin Clune
Inside linebacker Manase Hungalu
Safety Brandon Arnold
