Owls are ‘sloppy’ in first scrimmage
The competition for Rice’s starting quarterback position inched forward with no real separation in Saturday’s scrimmage — the first of fall camp.
“This film is going to be invaluable, these reps were invaluable, but quite honestly it was really sloppy. It wasn’t what I wanted it to look like in scrimmage No. 1,” coach Mike Bloomgren said.
“I think the biggest thing is just the self-inflicted wounds and alleviating those.”
Predictably, Wiley Green opened the scrimmage as the starting quarterback. The offense wasn’t prolific, but he outplayed Harvard graduate transfer Tom Stewart — who, at times, struggled to cope with defensive pressure and was picked off by safety Naeem Smith.
Stewart’s relative lack of production wasn’t wholly unexpected given that he’s adjusting to a higher level of competition and only joined the team this summer.
Transfer receiver Bradley Rozner and guard Nick Leverett endured their growing pains during the quiet of spring. Stanford transfers Brian Chaffin (center) and Reagan Williams (fullback) — neither of whom participated Saturday because of minor injuries — are so familiar with Bloomgren’s offensive scheme that they’ve been able to help coaches teach it to other newcomers.
“For Tom it’s just getting some of the old stuff out of his head,” offensive coordinator Jerry Mack said of Stewart’s adjustment to the difference in offensive terminology. “It’s more about that with him; just getting used to the mechanics of how we go about calling plays, going about our checks and protections and all of those sorts of things.”
The Owls’ skill players stood out during the scrimmage.
Redshirt freshman receiver August Pitre III snagged a handful of impressive catches. True freshman receivers Jake Bailey and Zane Knipe — singled out by Bloomgren as one of the most promising freshman performers of fall camp — displayed their elusiveness after the catch.
Stewart’s former teammate Charlie Booker continued to draw coaches’ attention at running back as he slashed through holes and fought for extra yardage.
The running back position remains a committee with Aston Walter and Juma Otoviano, among others. Depending on the personnel, they should factor into the passing attack with some regularity again.
Up front, coaches continue to emphasize depth and building the number of linemen they trust to play with aggression and discipline consistently. Graduate transfer Justin Gooseberry started over Uzoma Osuji at right tackle Saturday partly because Mack continues to explore which personnel combinations are most effective.
“The more the merrier,” he said. “The reality is we’re going to need seven or eight consistent offensive linemen to play, because you would love to get guys in rotation throughout the game.”
The team is looking to build depth on defense for the same reason.
As the Chronicle previously reported, rush defensive ends Anthony Ekpe and Kenneth Orji will be used interchangeably and simultaneously to help create pressure through different looks — Orji is considered stronger against the run.
Inside, redshirt junior defensive end Javante Hubbard and true freshman tackle De’Braylon Carroll also used Saturday to improve their respective cases for more playing time.
Defensive coordinator Brian Smith intends to tap the team’s new size and depth at defensive back to diversify coverage looks. With the secondary’s range at safety, cornerbacks could have more help over the top as the team looks to incorporate more press coverage.
“You have to fit players to the defense, rather than the other way around,” Smith said. “We have to do a little bit more to keep teams off balance. … That’s why it’s good to have so many guys back, because we kind of know the direction we want to go with the scheme.”