Cam Newton had a decent day. Threw a 20-yarder to frosh Trovon Reed for a score. Reed another one of those frosh who may play a role this year though the receiving corps is pretty deep. Emory Blake caught a pair of touchdowns, one from Kodi, who was working out of the Wildcat, and another from Barrett Trotter. Kodi is a guy who is flying under the radar, but will play a key role this year. He’s such a great athlete and a great kid. Unbelievable attitude. Quindarius Carr looks like the number one punt returner and Wes Byrum kicked a 50-yard field goal. Two battling it out for punter: Ryan Shoemaker and freshman Steven Clark.
Desmond Washington, Onterio McCalebb and soph Anthony Gully are competing for starting kick returning duties. Washington looked to really stand out at the end of last season with that near 100 yard return against Georgia for td. He’s a real weapon and you know McCalebb can fly. Not so sure about Gully. Will look more into him later.
Barrett Trotter is looking very good, so if Newton gets hurt or struggles there is a very capable replacement. Neil Caudle and Clint Moseley are also good options.
No major injuries to report. Zac Etheridge was held out for precautionary measures. Still monitoring him closely after last year’s near disaster with his neck. But looks like the defense outscored the offense yesterday.There is good talent on d no doubt, just need to stay healthy particularly at lb though freshmen like LaDarius Owens and Jake Holland and two others can help out Bynes, Stevens, Evans and Freeman.
If defense can shore itself up and stay healthy and Newton can deliver and get the ball to his talented group of wideouts, the rbs should be excellent with Fannin, McCalebb, Smith and Dyer. Fannin and McCalebb should be excellent and Smith should play an important role supporting those two and running for tough yards and catching the ball out of the backfield which he is good out. Dyer is an incredible talent, so he should see the field some. The future is unlimited for him. The ol should be strong maybe even dominating led by Ryan Pugh and Lee Ziemba. Open with Ark. State; just need to play well. Then at Ms. State and at home versus Clemson and South Carolina. Need to be ready.
(T’Sharvin Bell photo above)