Zach Smith

While in Colorado I had several notes sent to me concerning the team so here is a compilation:Offensive line is still a work in progress at times picking up blitzes, but the staff is feeling better about the middle with Tecklenburg and Miller pushing into starting positions. This gives a solid two deep across the line at OG with Teck being a swing to C if needed to backup MillerTecklenburg continues to impress and he's just plain beating out Wilson and Simmons at this pointIf Wilson or Simmons gets back with the 1s it will be by beating out someone the staff feels can be an NFL guy at 6-3 310Zach Smith is stepping up verbally and physically. He's in the best shape he's been in since on campus and the ankle is healed. He's also starting to verbalize his leadership as this is likely his team. Smith has left his lead by example past to also let teammates know he's going to lead in both ways.Anu on the other hand is still working his way into a leadership role and has remained somewhat quiet with the team in a lead by example role.Trestan Ebner is impressing at RB and could move into the backup role while Terence Williams is out. Hasty is by far the most complete back at this time, but John Lovett is going to be great once he adds the necessary strength to his 6-2 frame.Blake Lynch, Denzel Mims, Devontre Stricklin, and Jared Atkinson are all coming along. Atkinson and Lynch must remain healthy, but both has the ability to be game changes. Stricklin is more possession at this time, but has the speed to get by DBs and not be caughtIra Lewis, Bravvion Roy, and Tyrone Hunt are solid inside with James Lynch helping as wellOne area of concern is the OT area as the backups are inexperienced in Henry Klinge, Rob Saulin, and Josh Malin. Each possesses the physical attributes to play, but if Lawrence or Porter go down, expect more help from tight ends in the blocking schemeJordan Feuerbacher has a chance at the NFL if he has 15-20 catches this season per one observerSomething for 2018 and early non-conference - Deonte Williams and Clay Johnston are going to be special on the field along with DeMarco Artis as they can get after the passer in different packages from several positionsJairon McVea may be a kid to watch for a single digit and the opportunity to redshirt one of the 2016 signees that didn't get a chance to do soBaseball Note:Maddux Miller seems to be headed to JC after injuring his back and needing to rehab.

Rob Saulin is going to be a project in the switch, but held his own today vs other freshmen DEs. One person said he's going to be good/great down the line. His feet are light and once his technique arrives.... look outThe staff correct, correct, and correct during practice. This staff doesn't move on and correct in film session while allowing tendencies to remain in practice. They run a play or technique over again until it is done correctly.JaMycal Hasty is deadly in the screen game. At 200 pounds he can break tackles and in the offense with the Oregon influence he's going to get the ball in space.Tony Nicholson is also going to get the ball in space which will allow him to use his quickness inside, backfield, and out wide.Blake Lynch is healthy and looking greatRhule will stop practice to run a play correctlyPerfectionist might be an understatement Defensive playbook is over 1000 pagesOffensive playbook is over 1000 pagesMaurice Porter continues to push forward and legitimize the hype from Rhule and DeLeoneSpecial Teams has every coach with a hand in them, including Rhule. Anthony Cook was with Fran Brown the entire practicePatrick Lawrence has continued growing into his RT position and will be a plus there if he remains healthy and he's taken Henry Klinge under his wing. Both are powerful players and the new offense allows them to fire off and move DL instead of direct them.Not sure what leg injury Trevon Lewis has, but it doesn't look good from his Twitter account. We'll try to find out what is going on there.Davion Hall is fulfilling his ability so far, he just needs to remain healthy. Hall is ultra athletic and long, but must stay healthy. Stay healthy Tootie!Zach Smith remains the QB getting the 1st team reps. His arm and decision making are leading Anu and Charlie currently, despite it being an open competition.A source there said he's hoping Deonte Williams and Clay Johnston get on the field together for some time as they just run and pursue. Eric Ogor is a specimen, but he's hurting in recognizing plays, assignments, etc... and will need to get in the playbook to see the field outside of ST or situational passing plays.It's late and it has been a long day, thanks for allowing us to do this for you

Raleigh Texada has an appointment with the doctors 8/17 after his recovery from surgery ends. He should be cleared at this time and able to begin rehab work to get back on the field. October timeline is still likely.Justin Harris is not practicing with his hand in a cast following surgery and is awaiting clearance. Once cleared the 6-5 260 defensive lineman will need to go through the acclimation process dictated by the NCAAZach Smith, Anu Soloman, and Charlie Brewer in that order for reps with 1st to 3rd teams.1st team OL has been impressive, but the lack of depth is real. Rob Saulin is in the infant stages, but a source said he's natural with his feet and has high upsideKhalil Keith is still awaiting NCAA Clearinghouse to let him enroll. The longer it drags out the less likely he will be on the field in 2017.Bravvion Roy seems to have turned it up a notch and teaming with Tyrone Hunt could be a great inside.Travon Blanchard is not recovering as fast as expected from shoulder surgery and he could petition for a medical redshirt to return in 2018Clay Johnston is taking on a leadership role and his physical play has been noted, even in shirts/helmets. "He's just a football player."One source believed Timarcus Davis is also sidelined while recovering from ACL surgery just before his senior season, but we'll try to verifyJohn Lovett and Trestan Ebner have impressed with explosiveness early. Lovett is bigger than my source thought he'd beSee y'all tomorrow* edited to say 1st team OL instead of OL* Added note: The Chip Kelly offense is evident in the clips of offensive plays so expect to see the offense remain explosive.