Team News - 2015 First Spring Scrimmage Report

• The spring always provides opportunities for players that were behind seniors on the depth chart the previous season. But injuries can extend those opportunities to the next level of players. Nowhere is this more evident than at linebacker. Mike Labor and Ronell Williams were four year starters and rightfully so. But with Ralph Reeves and Dan Sherry not participating this spring, rising sophomores Sean Steinmetz and Kevin Duggan are getting first team snaps. Both Steinmetz and Duggan received some playing time last season, but the additional time on the field this spring will surely accelerate their development.
  
  

Jarel Elder slips a tackle on his way to the end zone (Photo Bert Garbutt)

• At 6-3, 230lb, Ryan Fay has shown he can be an effective run blocker. So many of the 100+ spectators were pleasantly surprised to see him streak down the middle of the field for a nice catch. He was stripped of the ball, but fortunately recovered. Fumbles and dropped passes were far too common on the day. Chalk it up to the first scrimmage for the spring.
  
  

Shaquil James returns an interception (Photo Bert Garbutt)

• Team captain Andrew Cohen was the most familiar face on the defensive line. Cohen was back inside at tackle along with Ben Smith who was filling in for Barry Lyons. Along with George Shipp and John Dubyk playing end, the first team defensive line dominated the second team offensive line, so much so that it was hard to evaluate Alec Werner at quarterback. Also at defensive end, Byron Cooper looks very athletic and Ch'aim Smith was knocking down passes again this camp.
  
  

Alec Werner leading the charge (Photo Bert Garbutt)

• Nydair Rouse made a nice leaping interception of a long Pat Moriarty pass. Rouse is yet another player trying to leverage his speed and athleticism over his youth. But that's what spring ball is for.
  
  

The ref saw A.J. DiPietro push off to make this catch (Photo Bert Garbutt)

The team has a scrimmage tentatively scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 am.