ROCKETS GET IN GAME MODE

August 30, 2008 - It's a week until the Rockets play at Arizona, but at today's practice it looked like the game was tomorrow. Practicing in full pads and getting plenty of "encouragement" from the coaching staff the practice was intense. Add in a bright sun with temperatures in the mid 80's, and UT's practice was a perfect preparation for the Arizona heat.

There were a lot of positives coming out of the practice, including the play of the defensive line. They were constantly getting the best of the O line and forced two fumbles by running backs. It looks like defensive end Derrick Summers could be the best of the group.

Speaking of the offensive line, look for four offensive tackles to be rotated early in the season - VanDerMeulen, Manley, Gewont and Morookian. That's four freshmen, although two are redshirts. It looks like Toledo will be solid at that position for years to come.

Bill Claus was doing a nice job punting the ball, so maybe he has finally found his groove.

As a group, the tight ends are doing a very good job catching the ball. They should be able to go three deep, with John Allen the likely starter. After sophomore and junior seasons that can only be described as disappointing, the 6-5 senior from Chicago looks like he could have a big year.

Aaron Opelt continues to look sharp with D.J. Lenehan doing a very nice job as the backup. Right now it looks like JC transfer Alex Petee has a ways to go before he will be game-ready, but with only three quarterbacks practicing right now, it's important to have all of them prepared to play. I think he'll be OK as the season goes on.

Freshman receiver Kenny Stafford continues to impress with his ability to make the tough catch and then break tackles to get extra yards. But quite honestly, the whole group looks good. Nick Moore may not be 100%, but he looked good today as he showed some explosive speed. And Robin Bailey, who has caught only two passes in his career, is playing his best football and may be ready to give UT another big (6-5) threat at wide receiver. Another impressive young player is Danny Noble who could also play at tight end. He's doing a very good job catching the ball and is a talented athlete. I think he's grown since last season, and at 6-6,240 is quite a dominating presence at wide receiver.

Tyrrell Herbert was the most impressive that I've seen him since practice started. He's had a number of injuries, but if he can stay healthy he can have an all-conference season. He really exploded to the ball from his free safety position today and also grabbed an interception.

Tom Amstutz is really getting antsy about getting back into the Glass Bowl to practice, but it may be a few more days before that happens. The turf is installed except for some sections on the sidelines that need to be completed. The crew began putting sand down with a spreader today and will follow that with rubber particles which will be brushed into the surface (see the photo below).