I think the back-ups looked pretty good in the G-day game.

quote:

---

The first thing you notice about Tray Matthews when he steps on the field is that physically he looks the part of a safety. He made a few solid hits, but what I was most pleased about was that there’s something to the talk about his instincts. I honestly cannot recall a moment after a play had ended at which time I thought he was out of position. For a true freshman, that’s rather astounding.

Biggest surprise of the game was Jonathan Rumph, easily. He’s got Marlon Brown’s height, but isn’t as thick or as physical. He’s more of a glider than a blazer, so his speed is a little deceiving, but he can make plays. If he can bulk up some between now and September and learn how to block better, he’s got a good chance to be a significant contributor this fall.

Nicest surprise of the game was that there appears to be more defensive line depth than I anticipated. Taylor and Mayes both did nice jobs on the second team line. (And Taylor does have a quick first step for a big man.)

I don’t know how he does it, but somehow Josh Harvey-Clements manages to pull off looking both skinny and huge at the same time. He didn’t do anything spectacular, but he was all over the field and you can see why Grantham wants him out there. He’s tall enough and quick enough to be disruptive on both ends of the passing game.

Herrera looks totally composed out there. He’s a leader. He also blew somebody up on a running play with what may have been the most violent hit of the day.

There didn’t seem to be very much depth in the defensive secondary. Wilkerson started on the first team defense at corner and got picked on by Murray for two big completions on the two-minute drill at the end of the first half, but did a few good things as well. On the Red team, there were plenty of smaller, slower guys to go around. I’d have to think some of the fall signees will have a good chance to crack the two-deep.

Offensive line play looked good sometimes, overwhelmed sometimes and disinterested sometimes. I watched Theus literally give up on a play that led to a sack.

As for Murray’s day, it was more than good enough when he wanted it to be. The first TD drive of the day was almost too easy and he was brilliant on the two-minute drill to end the first half. But the blitzing bogged the offense down and Murray with it now and then. That being said, there are times when I think that no matter how much trouble the offense may be in, they can always call for Murray to throw a back shoulder pass. It is money. If there’s anybody in college ball who throws that pass better than Murray, I’d like to know who he is.

---

quote:

---

deeprig9

---