DeMarco Artis

With the passing of the new rule on redshirts by the NCAA earlier this week, coaches across the country will now be able to maintain and balance their roster in an extremely flexible way.

DE DeMarco Artis Showed good pop off the edge in the game and recorded a quarterback hurry. Still needs experience, but didn't look out of place.LB Terrel Bernard Did not record any stats at LB or special teams.RB Dru DixonHad one carry for for a yard and a punishing kick return for 29 yards. RB Trestan Ebner Did not record any stats on special teams. CB Harrison Hand The star of the defense with 11 tackles and 7 were solo. He also had two pass break ups.WR Gavin Holmes Did not record any stats on special teams or at WR.RB John Lovett Possibly the star on offense with 89 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Also had a tackle on special teams. OL Ryan Miller Held his own in his first start in his first game in college.OL Xavier Newman Subbed at guard and played special teams. LB Jalen Pitre Had 7 tackles and 5 were solo while playing LB and special teams. Wasn't out of place and made several plays.DE BJ Thompson Had good pop off the edge and had one tackle. Also should have been credited with a hurry, but was not. He needs to add weight, but looks to be special.WR RJ Sneed Played the final snap of the game.

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.