Football Josh Vardaman
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A bad weather forecast for Saturday pushed Middle Tennessee's second football scrimmage of the spring up a day, but the schedule change didn't appear to affect much.
Head coach Rick Stockstill was pleased with the way his team attacked the day. In comparison to their first scrimmage six days prior, he said the defense in particular looked much improved, and he was happy with having fewer penalties.
"It was a good practice," he said. "We're a day behind already, … and I just felt that we couldn't afford to miss out on tomorrow and then be two days behind going into the last week.
"We had some different situations thrown in there … and I thought it really went well."
The defense gave up a couple of big passing plays, but, all in all, defensive coordinator Scott Shafer saw the fruits of his squad's improvement.
Namely, the Blue Raider defensive line did a good job Friday of getting into the backfield. They got to the quarterback for four sacks, coming from Zaylin Wood, Jorden Starling, Tyrece Edwards and Marley Cook, and had eight tackles for loss.
"I like what we're doing up front with our defensive line," Shafer said. "I think Coach [Tommy] West has done a great job with those guys. It's been great to go a little slower than usual … and those kids up front are doing a fantastic job."
With many projected starters or heavy rotation players out this spring, mostly in the linebacking corps and backfield, the defense really is hoping to build some depth. Getting some younger guys some reps in a game-like atmosphere can only help.
"We've definitely improved from last week to this week. I'm proud about that," senior safety Reed Blankenship said. "A lot of guys have stepped up a lot. Especially in the meeting room, we're talking more about technique over scheme, and that's something you want to see in a defensive group. I think they're coming a long way and growing up."
It was another solid day for the Blue Raider offense, as they continue to look like they're getting more and more comfortable with new offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon's system.
He's said this spring his scheme is pretty similar to what MT has done offensively the last few years, so it isn't that big of a transition. However, getting used to the terminology and tempo has been a big part of this spring.
Dearmon is also in the process of finding a new signal caller, and Friday was his second chance this spring to see his top three guys in more than just a practice drill.
Redshirt junior Bailey Hockman got the most work, connecting on 10-of-19 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite receiver was senior Jarrin Piece, who caught four balls for 96 yards and two touchdowns, one for 65 yards and both coming from Hockman.
Redshirt junior Chase Cunningham hit on 6-of-13 passes for 52 yards, and redshirt sophomore Mike DiLiello completed 4-of-5 for 51 yards. Freshman wideout Jaylin Lane had two catches for 64 yards.
With spring practices getting close to their finale, just getting more familiar with the system is the goal for MT's offense.
"I feel like the offense looked good today, but we still have a lot to improve on," senior running back Brad Anderson said. "We've really adapted to Coach Dearmon's system well … and he brings out our strengths and what we each do well. I feel like we're attacking it every day."
Middle Tennessee has one final week of spring practice left. It will wrap up next Saturday, weather permitting, putting a bow on another step leading up to the 2021 season.
Head coach Rick Stockstill was pleased with the way his team attacked the day. In comparison to their first scrimmage six days prior, he said the defense in particular looked much improved, and he was happy with having fewer penalties.
"It was a good practice," he said. "We're a day behind already, … and I just felt that we couldn't afford to miss out on tomorrow and then be two days behind going into the last week.
"We had some different situations thrown in there … and I thought it really went well."
The defense gave up a couple of big passing plays, but, all in all, defensive coordinator Scott Shafer saw the fruits of his squad's improvement.
Namely, the Blue Raider defensive line did a good job Friday of getting into the backfield. They got to the quarterback for four sacks, coming from Zaylin Wood, Jorden Starling, Tyrece Edwards and Marley Cook, and had eight tackles for loss.
"I like what we're doing up front with our defensive line," Shafer said. "I think Coach [Tommy] West has done a great job with those guys. It's been great to go a little slower than usual … and those kids up front are doing a fantastic job."
With many projected starters or heavy rotation players out this spring, mostly in the linebacking corps and backfield, the defense really is hoping to build some depth. Getting some younger guys some reps in a game-like atmosphere can only help.
"We've definitely improved from last week to this week. I'm proud about that," senior safety Reed Blankenship said. "A lot of guys have stepped up a lot. Especially in the meeting room, we're talking more about technique over scheme, and that's something you want to see in a defensive group. I think they're coming a long way and growing up."
It was another solid day for the Blue Raider offense, as they continue to look like they're getting more and more comfortable with new offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon's system.
He's said this spring his scheme is pretty similar to what MT has done offensively the last few years, so it isn't that big of a transition. However, getting used to the terminology and tempo has been a big part of this spring.
Dearmon is also in the process of finding a new signal caller, and Friday was his second chance this spring to see his top three guys in more than just a practice drill.
Redshirt junior Bailey Hockman got the most work, connecting on 10-of-19 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite receiver was senior Jarrin Piece, who caught four balls for 96 yards and two touchdowns, one for 65 yards and both coming from Hockman.
Redshirt junior Chase Cunningham hit on 6-of-13 passes for 52 yards, and redshirt sophomore Mike DiLiello completed 4-of-5 for 51 yards. Freshman wideout Jaylin Lane had two catches for 64 yards.
With spring practices getting close to their finale, just getting more familiar with the system is the goal for MT's offense.
"I feel like the offense looked good today, but we still have a lot to improve on," senior running back Brad Anderson said. "We've really adapted to Coach Dearmon's system well … and he brings out our strengths and what we each do well. I feel like we're attacking it every day."
Middle Tennessee has one final week of spring practice left. It will wrap up next Saturday, weather permitting, putting a bow on another step leading up to the 2021 season.
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