Offense impresses during scrimmage

Coach Mike Bloomgren entered Saturday’s scrimmage looking to see more from his offense.

“You saw that,” he said. “You saw the first two drives really get after (the defense) good. Drive down for a touchdown; drive down and get a field goal, out of the first two drives.

“This film will be huge. I think we’re going to come out of this meeting tomorrow understanding where guys fall on the depth chart and what they need to do to change it.”

But the first-team success hasn’t translated when backups blend with starters on the field.

“Once that continuity is off with that first group, it’s really hard for us to move the ball and be on the same page and see the game through one set of eyes,” Bloomgren said.

One player looking to help remedy such inconsistencies is center Shea Baker. Like many of his teammates, the redshirt freshman credits strength and conditioning coach Hans Straub for helping him physically prepare for the season. He’s also been polishing his run-blocking technique and ability to deliver blocks at the second level.

“I haven’t played a college football game yet, so it’s a challenge for me to step up and really take the reins for the O-line and communicate and lead the group,” Baker said, acknowledging the pressure that comes with being a young center. “It’s hard to sit on the sideline and have nothing to do with the outcome, so I’m excited to contribute on the field.” On defense, running backs Juma Otoviano and Collin Whitaker played cornerback late in the scrimmage.

Whitaker played cornerback last year until an accumulation of backfield injuries forced his move to offense. Otoviano, a true freshman from Arlington, played quarterback, running back and kick returner in high school.

“It’s been an immersion this week,” Bloomgren said. “They’ve gone to meetings with the defense, and we’re going to evaluate this scrimmage. I told the defensive coaches, ‘use ‘em or lose ’em.’ ”