BECKMAN SEES EARLY PROGRESS

August 7, 2010 - Football practice may be only a few days old, but head coach Tim Beckman is happy with the way his team is progressing. By splitting the team in half, and having two practices a day, players are getting many more reps and the coaching staff can evaluate them better.

While Beckman wants to see the entire team improve, he believes that defense is where the Rockets need the most work. "We've got to be a more consistent team on defense," he said. "We play well one game and the next game it's not even close to where you want it. Consistency in our tackling, getting off of blocks and just getting better on fundamentals are the key."

The defense is still fairly young across the front with Alex Johnson and Douglas Westbrook being the only seniors on the depth chart. Three redshirt freshmen, and JC transfer Johnie Roberts will get their first playing time this year. Sophomore defensive end T.J. Fatinikun has had a great early camp, and for now, has moved ahead of Westbrook.

Beckman thinks that adding 300 pounders Roberts and Danny Farr at the tackle positions along with returning starters Johnathan Lamb and Malcolm Riley, who have both gained 20 pounds, should bolster the defensive line. "A year in the weight room and a year with (strength coach) Rick Court has made them thicker and bigger and Division I-type defensive linemen."

Toledo's secondary was very young last season, at times starting four freshman. One is gone, as Daxton Swanson has decided to not continue playing football. On the positive side, Desmond Marrow has continued the progress he showed during the spring and, if he can stay healthy, could be a force at cornerback. Taikwon Paige can play cover corner, and along with Byron Best and Myshan Pettis has showcased himself so far.

Beckman wants a more consistent passing game, and is pumped up about the competition at the quarterback position. "One guy will look great at one practice and another guy will be great later in the day. Youth is a big problem, but the way we have the practices scheduled, it enables the players to get reps in situations. Austin Dantin is penciled in as the starter, but Terrance Owens is right there with him. It's neck and neck. Austin had a great practice yesterday and T.O. was a little better today. T.O. is very composed and has a little better arm than Austin. Freshman Dwight Macon is also in the running. He has come in and shown that he can play quarterback at the college level. And he runs extremely well."

Beckman has made no secret that Toledo's special teams must improve in all areas. Rocket fans haven't had a chance to see kicker Ryan Casano or punter Vince Penza. Penza has already won a special teams award, and Casano has been impressive as he battles with Brett Brodbeck.

The players the enrolled at UT last January have also earned praise from Beckman. He mentioned WR James Green, S Ross Madison and CB Taikwon Paige as players that are standouts so far. Among the incoming freshmen who have looked good are the entire defensive front four composed of DT Elijah Jones, DT Zac Rosenbauer, DE Jayrone Elliot and DE Grant Plesant. All have shown that they can run and have good potential. Freshmen wide receivers Cassius McDowell and Bernard Reedy have also impressed the coaching staff. Linebackers Ray Bush and Dawalyn Harper have also been standouts so far. Bush, from Toledo Rogers, is a legit 6-3 and looks like he could play at 245 pounds before his career is over.