Fall Camp Notebook '010: Day 2

A much better looking performance by the 'Dogs at Valley Growers field today. Lots of news & notes that are blog-worthy, but in the interest of keeping your interest, we'll focus on the newcomers and less experienced players...

QB: Kelly O'Brien displayed a unique arm motion that appears almost like a shotput (which wasn't as clear watching his JC film), and again had trouble throwing passes into the ground in front of his targets. He did show the ability to throw deep, but the accuracy hasn't been there just yet in drills. He was also picked off on a nice play by LB Mario Moore cutting underneath. Greg Watson had a chance at an early touchdown in drills but underthrew his target and got picked off by S Ed Dillihunt.


RB: UCLA transfer Milton Knox showed up and worked out with the veterans today (wearing jersey No. 20). Knox is built in a similar mold to likely starter Robbie Rouse, but won't be eligible until the 2011 season. Freshman walk-on FB Tim House (6-3, 240) is one to keep an eye on as camp progresses. On high school film, House showed great power, tackle breaking and ball carrying ability. He likely won't carry the rock at Fresno State, but could develop into a high-level FB. Especially when keeping in mind how Pat Hill and Co. always seem to dig up talent at the position.

WR: A MUCH better day today with far less dropped passes. Coach Keith Williams was in his element teaching technique and motivating. The crisp route running and cuts of Isaiah Burse, coupled with his tools to play "alien" QB, makes him an immediate playing time candidate as a true freshman. Josh Harper still looks the most physically ready to play right away, and Jalen Saunders got a chance to show just how speedy he is in 7-on-7 drills burning cornerbacks.

TE: It'll be interesting to keep an eye on David Gory and Michael Butler to see who emerges as the team's top blocking tight end. That title could also belong to Tapa Taumoepeau, but he'll need to show drastic improvement from a season ago.

OL: Freshman Mariposa product Cody Wichmann (6-5, 275) dressed for the first time today, getting work along with fellow newcomer Andrew Gustafson (6-6, 270). Both are likely to redshirt with all the depth at the position.

DL: It's tough to tell a ton from non-contact drills, but Matt Akers (6-2, 225) was competing at a higher level for much of the morning. The problem is still his lack of size. Redshirt freshmen Ben Letcher, Nikko Motta and Tristan Okpalaugo also turned in strong repetitions. Okpalaugo looks to have added a lot of size to his previously rail-thin frame.

LB: More than any other position, it's a mystery how all the young talent will unfold. With three experienced starters, there will be a battle for playing time between Jeremiah Toma, Daniel Salinas, Damion Whittington, Pat Su'a and true freshmen Ofa Fifita and Lester Fontenette.

DB: Redshirt freshman Erik Brown was exploited in coverage today by true freshmen receivers. His redshirt counterpart J.B. Dock fared better. S Ed Dillihunt had a nice play on the interception, but in 7-on-7 drills stood on the sideline while Terrence Dennis and true freshman Derron Smith took reps. True freshman CB Anthony Riggins also was burned on a couple routes.