Some tidbits:
The coaching staff is starting to take shape. They are far more vocal than last year. What a difference a year makes, right? The energy level is very noticeable! Jim H. has been more animated than usual. However, the biggest surprise belongs to Jim McElwain. He has raised the intensity level on the practice field. He was really getting after the WR group, which for the most part was positive. The biggest benefactor of this approach appears to favor People-Jones. There was a lot coaching taking place.
Early practices favor speed and the cream rises to the top. One player who continues to stand out is Ambry Thomas. Not only did he show off his athletic ability, but he was competing at a much higher level than last year. He obviously wants to be a starter this year and it shows. He has matured and is demanding far more attention from the staff.
Our QB's were looking good. That's not uncommon for early spring workouts without pressure. Shea Patterson has a very quick release. He can sling it! Brandon Peters throws the ball with some zip and accuracy. Dylan McCaffery is much bigger and looks far more athletic than last year. He is around 200 lbs and growing. Joe Milton is a physical specimen and he has performed very well in the early going. He does not look or act like a true Freshman in his first few practices. Furthermore, Jim Harbaugh was much more hands-on and extremely active with the QB's. He was constantly coaching up that position group.
Although it is early, there is a noticeable contribution from the new S&C staff. Bigger bodies and quicker feet. The players have reported to spring practice in shape and ready to go. Maybe the later start date has contributed to that a little bit.
As far as injuries are concerned there are the normal bumps and bruises from drills, sore bodies, and aching muscles from getting after it again. Kareem Walker is banged up yet gain. It looks like an ankle issue. He has to become more consistent and get healthy if he wants to contribute at RB. His biggest advocate is Jay Harbaugh, who has done everything he can to motivate him. However, nothing has seemed to work so far. If there is one position we may see a true Freshman contribute, it may be RB since the #3 RB spot is up for grabs. O'Maury Samuels and others will look to capitalize on the increased reps.
As you can imagine, the defense looks great! K. Hudson is a beast (MEAST). It was hard to tell who the projected starters were on defense. There were just too many guys getting reps at multiple positions. However, there were some players predominately with the 1's in the "controlled scrimmage." As expected, they were R. Gary, Chase W., L. Hill, and K. Hudson. Solomon has proven to be a stud. Dwumfour is bigger and faster and will be a force. Marshall continues to improve and provide depth. Mone is probably in the best shape of his career. JKP continues to impress as does J. Woods. Safety play will be much better this year as it is a point of emphasis. Josh Ross, Singleton, and Anthony are welcome additions to an already stout LB corps. That group is very impressive and probably the best in years!
The coaching staff is starting to take shape. They are far more vocal than last year. What a difference a year makes, right? The energy level is very noticeable! Jim H. has been more animated than usual. However, the biggest surprise belongs to Jim McElwain. He has raised the intensity level on the practice field. He was really getting after the WR group, which for the most part was positive. The biggest benefactor of this approach appears to favor People-Jones. There was a lot coaching taking place.
Early practices favor speed and the cream rises to the top. One player who continues to stand out is Ambry Thomas. Not only did he show off his athletic ability, but he was competing at a much higher level than last year. He obviously wants to be a starter this year and it shows. He has matured and is demanding far more attention from the staff.
Our QB's were looking good. That's not uncommon for early spring workouts without pressure. Shea Patterson has a very quick release. He can sling it! Brandon Peters throws the ball with some zip and accuracy. Dylan McCaffery is much bigger and looks far more athletic than last year. He is around 200 lbs and growing. Joe Milton is a physical specimen and he has performed very well in the early going. He does not look or act like a true Freshman in his first few practices. Furthermore, Jim Harbaugh was much more hands-on and extremely active with the QB's. He was constantly coaching up that position group.
Although it is early, there is a noticeable contribution from the new S&C staff. Bigger bodies and quicker feet. The players have reported to spring practice in shape and ready to go. Maybe the later start date has contributed to that a little bit.
As far as injuries are concerned there are the normal bumps and bruises from drills, sore bodies, and aching muscles from getting after it again. Kareem Walker is banged up yet gain. It looks like an ankle issue. He has to become more consistent and get healthy if he wants to contribute at RB. His biggest advocate is Jay Harbaugh, who has done everything he can to motivate him. However, nothing has seemed to work so far. If there is one position we may see a true Freshman contribute, it may be RB since the #3 RB spot is up for grabs. O'Maury Samuels and others will look to capitalize on the increased reps.
As you can imagine, the defense looks great! K. Hudson is a beast (MEAST). It was hard to tell who the projected starters were on defense. There were just too many guys getting reps at multiple positions. However, there were some players predominately with the 1's in the "controlled scrimmage." As expected, they were R. Gary, Chase W., L. Hill, and K. Hudson. Solomon has proven to be a stud. Dwumfour is bigger and faster and will be a force. Marshall continues to improve and provide depth. Mone is probably in the best shape of his career. JKP continues to impress as does J. Woods. Safety play will be much better this year as it is a point of emphasis. Josh Ross, Singleton, and Anthony are welcome additions to an already stout LB corps. That group is very impressive and probably the best in years!
Last edited:
