Fall Camp Update III

QB: Tom Brandstater was MIA today, so Ryan Colburn took first-team snaps and Matt Faulkner practiced with the vets. Colburn continues to have an eye-opening first week of camp, and Faulkner looked strong as well. But Colburn seems to have solidified himself as the No. 2 guy right now.

RB: Ryan Mathews is starting to show what he can do catching passes and Lonyae Miller has been a standout every day so far. Reynard Camp is showing great work ethic at fullback.

WR: Still too many dropped passes, but the unit is making up for them somewhat with great catches. Chastin West looked like the go-to guy today, and Devon Wylie was essentially uncover-able across the middle in isolation. But Wylie is also one of the guys having trouble hanging on to the ball. Redshirting Jamel Hamler will actually pay off in two years when Marlon Moore, Seyi Ajirotutu and Jason Crawley graduate.

OL: The lines are getting fiery. A huge melee broke out today between the two units (picture UFC with guys roughly the size of Transformers). Charley Robbins got some work as first-team right guard. Devan Cunningham set to redshirt -- still out of shape and needs to show more intensity.

DL: Coaches yelled for Ikenna Ike to "calm down" as he was in the middle of the melee. He translated the emotion into stellar play in 7 on 7 drills. True freshman Anthony Williams (now switched to No. 91) worked with the vets for the first time today, while Chase McEntee was back with the newcomers.

LB: Shawn Plummer, still turning heads with his speed, may practice his way into significant playing time. Chris Carter didn't look quite as strong today, but Nico Herron is showing all-around ability in all facets of the game.

DB: Zak Hill still hasn't done anything to stand out all camp, and continues to struggle in one-on-one coverage against the team's top receivers (today Moore caused him some trouble). Moses Harris looks to have gained some speed. Lorne Bell ran stride for stride in single coverage of West today -- an encouraging sign after such a serious injury late last season. But Bell struglled to keep up with Crawley after a lateral cut across the field. Damion Owens jumped a route and took it to the house. Desia Dunn (No. 17) is quietly putting together a good camp.

ST: Robert Malone has shown a booming leg on punts, but still looking for the consistency he'll need as the season approaches.