Day 10 Practice Rewind
Defensive line assignments similar despite new defense
Throughout camp, many of the position groups talked about how their assignments look much different than a year ago due to the change in defensive coordinators. That does not seem to be the case for the defensive line. While the language and terminology has changed, the schemes are nearly identical to last year’s defense, which has helped the play on the defensive line.
“There are a lot of similarities (between last year’s and this year’s defense),” said Sumner Houston. “Basically the main thing that is different is the names of the call. The technique is the same and the assignments are the same, it’s just calls.”
When the team went live Elu Aydon intercepted Marcus McMaryion making an athletic play for a man weighing over 325 pounds. Elu broke through the line, and snagged McMaryion’s pass that had barely left his hand, Elu then rumbled and stumbled his way into the endzone.
Ovgard retires, Noland-Lewis leaves team
The defensive secondary took a hit losing two of it’s players. Safety Gabe Ovgard made the decision to retire after suffering a concussion--a problem that has recurred throughout his career. Ovgard who picked off Jared Goff when the Beavers faced Cal was put on scholarship this past winter.
“You are losing a great guy, an all around great guy,” said safety Brandon Arnold. “He knows his stuff hands down, knows the defense hands down. It sucks, he’s a close friend and a good dude.”
The secondary also loses corner Cyril Noland-Lewis, who had been moved around from position to position his entire OSU career, decided that it was time to move onto the next chapter of his life. Noland-Lewis who started 10 games at safety last season, already has his degree in hand.
“I support his decision whole-heartedly for Cyril to move on to that next adventure in his life.,” said Andersen. “The kid's put in a lot of hard work, he’s had a very solid career, he’s excited about the future, he believes it’s time for him to move on in his future. When he walked out of my office I gave him a big hug and he knows I will be there for him forever.”
JC Players are starting to catch on:
Coach Andersen has been saying since signing day that he is bringing junior college players in so that they can make an immediate impact on the team.
On the defensive line, there is a pair of defensive tackles in Phillip Napoleon and Paisa Savea who will be able to fill into the six-to seven-man defensive line rotation that includes Houston, Kalani Vakameilalo, Thor Katoa, Noke Tago and Elu Aydon.
“Right now I feel like they are going to be ready at the season,” Houston said.
“Paisa is doing better and better each day, he’s been pushed by some talented defensive linemen,” said Andersen. “But I think his progress is moving forward.”
The Payne Brothers are both starting to catch on to the new system, and are playing at a higher level than at the start of camp.
“Wesley and Landry Payne in the last couple days the water is clearing for them,” Andersen said. “From a giant defensive package for them that was very foreign, it was basically a new language for them...those two young men are starting to catch a little bit of a good vibe.”
Tim Cook and Timmy Hernandez are both working their way into playing time on offense, while the remaining JC guys are still working on to improve.
“Some of (the JC players) holding their grounds, some of them are looking to get better,” said Andersen.
Offense clicked, Garretson again looks sharp:
There were a couple big runs by the offense, both Ryan Nall and Tim Cook busted big runs when the offense squared off against the defense, Cook’s run was helped out by some nice blocking by receiver Andre Boden.
Xavier Hawkins had a nice gain on a reverse, Marcus McMaryion threw enough of a block to spring Hawkins free.
Darell Garretson has now had two impressive sessions that were available to the media. The offense looks in sync, and he is making all the necessary throws.
Garretson has the “game-managing quarterback” label. But he can really push the ball down the field. One of things that impresses me about Garretson is his touch when he takes shots down the field. In Monday's practice he dropped a perfect deep ball to Seth Collins who was tightly covered by Xavier Crawford.
A couple plays later, he fooled the defense by keeping the ball on an option keeper for a touchdown. Much like in spring when Garretson had a rough showing in the scrimmage in Hillsboro, he has bounced back and really has the first offense moving the ball.
Other Notes:
● Brandon Arnold said the biggest difference between the safeties this year and last year is the depth. He pointed out that at the end of the year they were missing a lot of bodies who are back this year.
● Speaking of safeties and improved depth, Jalen Moore made a great play in the backfield taking down Xavier Hawkins on a fly-sweep.
● When the team went live, the first offense was going against the first defense
● Jordan Villamin did not practice today. Sean Harlow is still dressed down for practice, but has yet to play in any of the live sessions.
● Shawn Wilson picked off Mason Moran on a deep comeback route. Wilson made an one-handed grab along the sideline with Trevon Bradford draped all over him.
● Jonathan Willis blitzed up the middle and knocked down a Garretson pass.
● Garrett Owens was tested with a 40+ yard field goal with the whole team watching. He had the leg, but pushed the ball wide right.
● Andersen is expecting incoming freshman Isaac Garcia to be fully ready to go in the next couple of days after he was able to become eligible. Andersen is still waiting on Christian Wallace, but is anticipating that getting cleared up as well.