UND is now four practices into their 15 practice spring season. UND has done a nice job of providing daily updates after each practice. You can access those here:
UND football is officially off for spring break starting tomorrow. They will resume practice on March 23rd.
From what we have been able to glean, the UND defensive line is much further ahead than their counterparts on the offensive line. This is not surprising considering UND lost four starters from last fall and only have eight total offensive lineman. But, the defensive line with guys like Brandon Dranka, Drew Greely, & Mason Bennett to name a few, have shown much improved athleticism from their D-line positions. At the very least, the increased reps against increased competition should only help the offensive line develop. Defensive end Daquan Baker is looking good after moving from linebacker. You can tell the practice reps are making him look more natural at the position. While a bit undersized, we think he could be an asset in nickel personnel as an outside pass rusher with his hand on the ground. Freshman Carter Wilson also has shown promise so far.
QB Keaton Studsrud looks much bigger this spring. He is up to around 200 pounds and appears much more durable. This should bode well this fall after yet another summer training session. They NEED him to stay healthy this fall. While it’s early, his comfortability, confidence and pocket presence are noticeably improved.
Freshman QB Brad Heidlebaugh has shown good athleticism thus far. He can move pretty good once he gets going. His downfall right now is his elongated throwing mechanics. The release itself isn’t so slow but the motion up to the point of release is lagging right now. Many tall QB’s have these issues as their arms are longer. He may need to adjust his carrying height to shorten the load-up time. Defensive backs have an extra half second to react right now, which can be the difference between completions, deflections or interceptions. The positive is when it comes out the ball is pretty accurate and with good velocity.
The UND defensive backs are showing some depth this spring. Safety Vashon Tucker has made a number of nice plays already, as has his freshman counterpart Torrey Hunt. Hunt has impressed the staff in his short time here and with continued strength development should have a shot to play next fall. Jahmere-Irvin Sills looks much more confident and is playing like to he wants to contend for the #1 job with Tyus Carter next fall. It appears as though former walk-on Tanner Palmborg is trying to earn a scholarship. It’s safe to say he is exceeding expectations. Depth at defensive back is extremely vital for 2016. What happened vs. Idaho State cannot happen again.
From what we have seen of the wide receiver group (especially young guys), expect a kid like incoming freshman Travis Toivonen to get a serious look to play this fall. Of course Toivonen will need to show it and earn it, but there isn’t nearly enough depth there right now and the current freshman have a ways to go before they will be able to contribute. This is concerning so far. Just being fair.
Would not be surprised to see John Santiago used in a variety of roles come August. The UND staff knows they need to expand his touches and get him the ball in space, besides as just a running back. Remember, he was a wide receiver in fall camp for a few days meaning he has the skill set in him. If it’s possible, he looks even faster and more elusive this spring.
At OLB, freshman Keelan Poole has the frame, athleticism and tools needed to be a force off the edge. We expect him to make some moves up the depth chart between now and next fall.
Dijon Murray and Donnell Rodgers still look ‘green’ to the system schematically, but bring the athleticism you want at the position. They are proving to be invaluable additions to the defense for talent and depth next season. Excited about both of these guys.
