It wasn't pretty, but Tulane got a split with Charlotte today. That seems about right since either game could have gone either way. With the Wave using the seven pitchers it will use in the AAC tournament and Charlotte using scrubs on the mound in the second game after clinching a spot in the tournament, getting swept would have been bad, but Michael Lombardi made sure it did not happen. Other than that, nothing this weekend matters. Momentum means nothing. It's just a matter of pitchers pitching well in Clearwater and hitters having clutch at-bats.

UHLMAN

On Lombardi:

"He was Shohei Ohtani tonight. The pitching part was electric. The homer, him and I both thought he kind of got under it a little bit, but there was no wind. That was an earned homer obviously at a big part of the game. We'd been kind of stuck in neutral a little bit, then we got a guy on, the left fielder dropped a ball and Jackson (Linn) stuck one in the corner, so that was good. Chandler (Welch) went out there and his four innings were really impressive (eight strikeouts, no runs). And that was double-short rest (five days after his last start). Michael was on with all of his stuff-curveball, fastball, he was really good,"

On Friday plans:

"We're going to start Billy (Price) tomorrow. Then it's going to be on everybody else that's left to pitch, so the fact that we split today. Obviously we want to win tomorrow and win the series on the road, but they are going to be short (on pitching) and we're going to be short. It is what it is. The fact that we got to play a doubleheader today, while taxing physically, we are going to get four days off. Nobody else in the conference (other than Charlotte) is going to have that."

On Shuffler and Moore getting roughed up recently:

"You gotta be able to locate and get ahead, and I'm not sure frequently that's happened enough as of late. Coach Izz was upset with that part today, but I totally get it. Knowing what we're doing, we have to try to do more on offense even though we scored 7 (in the opener). For so long those two guys in particular have carried the workload, so it's like you kind of gotta be able to give them some grace. They've been used pretty good here down the stress. The good news is they were used today and they won't be used Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. They'll have four days of rest, which will be a big deal. The adrenaline will be kicking, so I don't anticipate any kind of hangover with them with their recent performances."

On if he is worried about them wearing down:

"No, not at all. If anything, it's maybe just mental fatigue or that kind of stuff. We're good there."

On depth in lineup being a key factor in Tulane's favor:

"Huge. We did some things. We had a hit and run today. That was nice. We had a situational sac fly hitting, so we did some nice things there. I thought Charlotte had some really good arms. Their stuff was really good. If you look at their stats, it''s a lot of strikeouts, but it's also a lot of walks. I didn't think the walks showed up nearly as much as I was anticipating (three in he first game, five in the second game). I was thinking they might strike out 10 but they might walk 10, and they didn't do that. They were throwing strikes and our guys were aggressive. I thought their arms were better than advertised, and for the most part we were competitive. Gavin (Schulz) had a huge home run (in the second game). There were some positive things and we just kept battling and fighting and clawing. It was pretty much back and forth for 18 innings. It was a pretty good fight."

On Marcus Cline not breaking for plate on bouncer to first, costing Tulane a run in second game:

"He was supposed to be going home. That's just the play. I don't know why he stopped. He brain-farted, but that's just one where you run. He stopped, they tagged Raz and then they got in a rundown (with Jackson Linn) between second and third and then threw him (Cline) out at home. I was already angry. I thought they missed a replay call (right before the tying home run Blaise Wilcenski allowed in the second game). They told me they had it clearly he was safe. I told them I just watched the Jumbotron and he was clearly out. I was angry at that and I was frustrated at Blaise because after we didn't get the out call, it was like five hits and a walk. He didn't miss a barrel and it was noncompetitive. But then Michael came to the rescue on both sides of the ball."

On weather forecast for Friday:

"They think it will start raining around 7, so we should be OK."

"

In this article from Rivals.

Top WR transfers

We got our PK from La. Tech: Interesting that he did punt for them early in his career in addition to his kicking. We needed someone who could punt if Karrol got hurt b/c the two we had behind him were really bad in the spring. Looks to be a good pick up.

Wow

Tulane has filled 11 of its 13 scholarship spots, getting five transfer portal guys, two incoming freshmen and four holdovers. The transfers in general were more highly rated coming out of high school than any group Tulane has signed since the Perry Clark era, but production was severely lacking except for the Georgetown transfer and a Siena transfer whose team won four games (similar to Asher Woods a year ago).

I do not know what to make of the group. Freshmen tend to struggle in their first year under Hunter, and transfers usually need a lot of time to pick up his matchup zone. So much depends on Gregg Glenn making a tremendous leap from his first year and becoming the player Michigan expected him to be when he went there in 2022-23. He showed glimpses last year but only in brief spurts.

I am skeptical about the roster to this point, but after last year, Tulane needed a clean slate.

Here are the players, although the only transfer Tulane has officially recognized is Indiana transfer Kaleb Banks.

TRANSFERS

1) Kaleb Banks, 6-8 forward who spent two years at Indiana, averaging 2.0 points in 5.6 minutes as a freshman and 2.6 points in 10.7 minutes last year. His season high was 12 points v. Kennesaw State.

Rivals ranking out of high school: 137 overall nationally
Highest rating out of high school: 78 by ESPN

2) Rowan Brumbaugh, a 6-4 guard who spent one year at Georgetown, starting 20 games while averaging 8.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.2 rebounds. Had 24 points vs. Xavier in early March. Began career at Texas but transferred after not playing in his first year, 2022-23. His uncle, Peter Brumbaugh, played football for Tulane but did not letter before transferring to UCLA.

Rivals ranking out of high school: 72
Next hIghest rating out of high school: ON3 81

3) Mari Jordan, a 6-6 forward who was redshirted at Georgia, with coach Mike White mentioning injuries as a factor.

Rivals ranking out of high school: 249
Highest rating out of high school: 84 by ESPN

4) Tyler Ringgold, a 6-8 power forward who was at Texas A&M as a freshman last year but did not play. A Southern Lab product.

Rivals ranking out of high school: Not rated.
Highest rating out of high school: ON3 had him as the second best prospect from Louisiana

5) Michael Eley, a 6-4 shooting guard from Siena who averaged 9.4 points as a freshman and 13.3 points in 19 games as a sophomore when he missed stretches due to injury twice.

Rivals ranking out of high school: Not rated.
Highest rating out of high school: ON3 had him as the No. 143 shooting guard

FRESHMEN

1) Kameron Williams, 6-7 small forward from Lafayette Christian Academy

Rivals ranking out of high school: not rated.
Highest rating out of high school : ESPN had him as the No. 2 prospect from Louisiana; ON3 at No. 3

2) Kyle Greene, a 6-2 point guard from Atlanta.

Rivals rankng out of high school: 107 overall
HIghest rating out of high school: 100 overall by 247 Sports

HOLDOVERS

Gregg Glenn, 6-7 power forward entering third year
Percy Daniels, 6-9 center entering third year
Spencer Elliott, 6-10 center who was redshirted as freshman
Asher Woods, 6-3 guard entering third year

Guerry, have you heard anything on the status of Kionte Curry? Do the coaches still expect him to enroll this summer? He would be a nice addition. Not sure where he would fit.

A 6’8” hybrid SE/TE has committed to Tulane. Transfer from Utah.

Ronan Chambers committed today. He has at least one year of eligiiblity left and started all 12 games for Akron this past season.

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Tulane lost a lot on defense from last year through graduation and the portal, with cornerbacks Jarius Monroe, Lance Robinson and A.J. Hampton no longer around along with safety DJ Douglas, nickelback Kam Pedescleaux, linebackers Corey Platt (who played one game before being lost for the year) and Jared Small and defensive linemen Devean Deal, Keith Cooper and Darius Hodges. Throw in reserve DBs Darius Swanson, and Kentrell Webb, and Tulane is without six of its top 10 tacklers and 11 of its top 17, so this defense will look much different. The four players who arrived from Troy all should help to varying degrees, and Jon Sumrall continues to add from the transfer portal, picking up Indiana State defensive back Johnathan Edwards and Grambling defensive end Javon Carter this week. Where they fit in, I have no idea, but I will try to reach Edwards today to talk to him.

Here's my projection for the depth chart entering preseason camp:

DEFENSIVE END

1) Angelo Anderson
2) Deshaun Batiste or Gerrod Henderson

Analysis: Anderson, who has not been very productive through four years despite being a heralded recruit, had a good spring and looks like he is ready to be a significant factor. The Wave needs him to be that guy. Batiste has tremendous upside but is raw. Henderson made some plays in the scrimmages.

NOSE TACKLE

1) Eric Hicks
2) Adonis Friloux

Analysis: Hicks is a solid, productive starter, but the key here is whether or not Friloux can have a bounce-back year. He was relatively ineffective last season while coming back from a serious knee injury, making just seven tackles and no longer being the immovable force he was in 2021 before he got hurt in the preseason of 2022. Making tackles is not the No. 1 priority for the nose, but he had only seven stops compared to Hicks' 24. If he can return to the form that had him on track for All-Conference honors, it would be a huge boost. The third-string nose tackle, Maxie Baudoin, entered the portal.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

1) Patrick Jenkins
2) Parker Peterson

Analysis: The portal closed and Jenkins never entered it after speculation LSU would go after him. Although he got some reps at end in the spring, his best position is right here. He will be a disruptive force and first-team All-AAC selection if he stays healthy.

RUSH END (bandit)

1) Matthew Fobbs-White
2) Michael Lunz or Javon Carter.
3) AJ Thomas

Analysis: I loved Fobbs-White in the preseason last year. Tulane's depth precluded a significant role for him in games, but I think he can step up and have a big year even though he is unproven. Lunz got some reps with the first unit, but Sumrall said multiple times he needed to find an edge rusher in the portal. Maybe Carter will that guy. It's just hard to forecast how he will make the jump from Grambling's competition to Tulane, but I doubt they would bring in a guy they did not see as a potential difference-maker. They may not be done adding guys at this spot.

LINEBACKER

1) Tyler Grubbs and Jesus Machado
2) Dickson Agu and Makai Williams
3) Mandel Eugene and Chris Rodgers

Analysis: This is a loaded group with excellent starters and quality depth assuming Machado is close to 100 percent recovered from his knee injury in the bowl game. Agu had an outstanding spring, and Williams made plays, too. Rodgers also showed promise, although he played primarily nickel in the spring game, the position he practiced as a freshman at Troy, after spending most of the spring inside.

NICKELBACK (spear)

1) Caleb Ransaw
2) Jayden Lewis or Shi'Keem Laister

Analysis: This is set in stone. I love Ransaw and predicted he could be a first-team All-SEC pick on radio before Sumrall said the same thing after the spring game. He is excellent in coverage and as a tackler. What an important pickup to replace the most underrated guy on the 2023 defense in Pedescleaux. Lewis showed why he was such a highly touted recruit. Though very young, he is good enough to warrant playing time. Laister got hurt and missed time, so I'm not sure where he fits in.

CORNERBACK

1) Rayshawn Pleasant and Lu Tillery or Johnathan Edwards
2) Rishi Rattan and Jaheim Johnson

Analysis: This is anything but set in stone. The position is wide open. I would love to see Rattan start--I feel like he has earned the opportunity--but there has to have been some reason he never got significant time in four years under Willie Fritz despite practicing well. The funny thing is Tillery was a walk-on at ULM before earning a scholarship there. Pleasant went down in the first week of spring drills, but he was a guy the coaches really liked. Edwards has to make the jump from Indiana State, and I just don't know much about him, but they would not bring him in if they did not think he could be a starter.
They clearly were not happy with the depth because Jai Eugene and DK McGruder, who both practiced with the second team in the spring game, elected to hit the portal after their post-spring conversation with Sumrall.

STRONG SAFETY

1) Jalen Geiger
2) Jack Tchienchou

Analysis: I thought Tchienchou was slightly more productive in the spring than Geiger, but Geiger got most of the first-team reps. It definitely will be a tight competition and I like both of them. Safety is a much less concerning position than cornerback on this roster.

FREE SAFETY

1) Bailey Despanie
2) Kevin Adams
3) Joshua Moore

Analysis: Despanie had a strong spring coming off a strong year as a starter. Adams made some big plays and gave us some big plays.

Committed to Tulane.

The portal has closed now, so Tulane should not have any more attrition and I can look at each position knowing essentially who will be on the roster, although Tulane still can add guys. None of this official. It's just my analysis after watching spring practice and projecting forward.

QUARTERBACK

1 and 1A) Ty Thompson and Kai Horton
3) Darian Mensah

Analysis: As I have written before, I will be surprised if Thompson does not win the job, but he is not there yet. He has more upside than Horton and is more mobile, but the job will not be given to him. He was pretty good in the spring but needs to be better in preseason camp, when he won't be hampered by a foot injury like he was at the beginning of the spring. Jon Sumrall's comments after the spring game were very information when he said Thompson needed to think less and cut it loose more, tending to get robotic at times as he tried to process everything correctly. Horton can make all the throws, too, but he gets careless at times, negating his advantage in experience. The coaches believe Mensah can be their quarterback of the future, but I see no scenario in which a guy who never has played a down of college football becomes the quarterback of the present in 2024.

RUNNING BACK

1) Makhi Hughes
2) Arnold Barnes
3) Shaadie Clayton-Johnson
4) Trey Cornist

Analysis: This is pretty clear cut. Hughes is ready for another 1,000-yard rushing year and just has that knack for hitting the right hole that all special backs have. Barnes had a good spring and is similar to Hughes, though not quite as reliable or experienced. Clayton-Johnson missed some time with an injury, but he is a better receiver than the other two. That's how his role evolved under Fritz last year, and I see it continuing with the new staff. Cornist had some good moments in the spring, and he can catch passes out of the backfield, too, but he still needs some seasoning. All in all, this in an excellent group, but an injury to Hughes would be a difference-maker.

WIDE RECEIVER

1) Mario Williams and Yulkeith Brown when Tulane lines up in two-tight end formations. I project Dontae Fleming as the slot wideout when one tight end is on the field.

2) Shazz Preston, Bryce Bohanon and Phat Watts along with LSU transfer Khai Prean

Analysis: Those are the seven players in the mix for real time. Prean in an upgrade and may end up starting, but I just don't have enough information on him to know exactly how huge a role he will play. Nicholas tailed off in the last week of practice, dropping a few passes, but he showed a lot in the first three weeks. Preston came on and looks like he is ready to realize the talent that made him an elite recruit before he faded to the bottom of the depth chart at Alabama. Williams was the best player on the team in the first week of the spring. After that, he did not do a whole lot because the coaches already knew what they had in him. Fleming looked good in preseason camp a year ago before becoming invisible, so he will have plenty to prove in games. Bohanon had an outstanding spring. He never caught my eye in the past, but he runs exacting routes and will be a factor. I'm still not sure what to make of Phat Watts, but despite losing a star in Chris Brazzell to Tennessee, Tulane will be stronger at wideout than it was even when healthy last year.

TIGHT END

1) Alex Bauman and Reggie Brown in two tight end sets. Probably Bauman with one.

2) Blake Gunter and Josh Goines

Analysis: Assuming Bauman stays healthy, he should have a big year in an offense more friendly to tight ends than the one he played in the past two years. Brown looked solid in the spring gettng all of the first-team reps that would have gone to Bauman. I like Goines as a receiver who can even make plays downfield, and Gunter is a good blocker. It is hard to play four tight ends, so one of the latter two will be the odd man out, but this is a strong position.

LEFT TACKLE

1) TBD or Ronan Chambers
2) Matt Lombardi

LEFT GUARD

1) Shadre Hurst
2) Darion Reed

CENTER

1) Vincent Murphy
2) Caleb Thomas

RIGHT GUARD

1) Josh Remetich
2) Sully Burns

RIGHT TACKLE

1) Rashad Green
2) Dominic Steward

Analysis: Left tackle is the huge concern right now with Trey Tuggle likely to miss the year due to a knee injury. Starting linemen rarely come off the field, so a team can get away with eight quality lineman (one replacement each at tackle, guard and center in case of injury), but first it needs five. I have no idea whether Ronan Chambers fits the bill or not, but unless Tulane gets another guy from the portal, he is the best option with starting experience at Akron. The other four starting spots are solid, and for whatever it is worth, the line opened up bigger holes this spring than it did under Fritz even with Green out (and I don't think the run defense is weak, which would be one explanation). Tulane needs better line play that it got for most of Fritz's tenure despite impressive rushing totals. I do not see any surefire proven backups, although Thomas has good experience at center.

Brady Marget is my favorite Tulane baseball player to watch since I returned to New Orleans in January of 2008. It ishis consistent approach and ability to hit line drives to all parts of the park with a sweet swing. He's currently on his hottest streak since he arrived in 2022, getting exactly two hits in seven of the past eight games. His average is up a a team-best .333 (among full-time starters), and he also leads the team in hits, walks, total bases and RBIs. I talked to him Wednesday.

BRADY MARGET

On how he describes his approach at plate:

"I try to keep it as simple as possible. I find when I’m thinking about all these different things, it can get in your head a little bit and then you’re not focusing too much on the actual at-bat. I try to keep it as simple as I can and react and be confident and stick to my approach and be confident and not second-guess it and keep my thoughts as simple and small as possible."

On his preparation:

"Watching those pitchers for me helps. I like to see the shape and the spin and how it comes out of their hand and get their arm slots. Our coaches have done a very good job of that giving us all the tools we need to develop a good play when we come up to the plate."

On leading team in hits, walks, total bases and RBIs:

"I’m proud of all of them, but the thing that matters most is team wins and that’s what I’m trying to play well for because I want to help our team win. Those stats are cool and all, but the thing I care about the most is getting all the wins we can."

On key for team down stretch:

"That we just stay confident and trust each other and continue to build on that. We know we have all the tools that we need to be a real contender in this conference, and if we just stick to it and trust ourselves in this process, trust our preparation and we know that we can go out and beat anybody. As long as we don’t look past any opponents and take it game by game and pitch by pitch, we are going to continue succeeding and get to the top of this league."

On taking five-pitch walk against FAU in 9th to load the bases after Tulane tied it with three-run rally instead of taking a rip at the ball:

"That’s something I’ve been working on, not trying to get out of who I am as a player and just taking team at-bats. That’s kind of something we’ve been talking about as a team offense—no need to try to do too much or be that hero. If you take a team at-bat, that’s a win and just getting it to the next guy. I know we’ve got really good players behind me that can also do those jobs."

On that dramatic win helping team moving forward:

“That’s definitely a big win. It goes back to we’re never out of the fight. No matter the scoreboard, we’re going to play until all 27 outs are recorded. No one’s ever going to throw away an at-bat no matter what the score is. We’re all just going to take our quality approach and not try to do too much. Getting a win like that is a really good feeling.”

On why he chose Tulane:

“I just felt a really good relationship with the staff. I believed in their whole process, their entire coaching ability, what they teach here. It felt like home. I was completely right with it. I trusted my gut, and it was the best decision I made.

On staying because Tulane retainied Uhlman:

“Obviously it was very important. I already had an extremely good relationship with him and trusted him and knew what he was capable of as a coach. It was a pretty easy decision to continue.”

On not striking out three times in one game during career:

“We talk about it here a lot. Two-strike hitting is important. That’s something every hitter should take very seriously and something I try to work on as much as I can. Just putting a ball in play and making them play catch is a lot better than just giving them a free out. Your ability to compete in the box with two strikes is really important and that’s something I do really well.

On what has clicked in recent stretch of seven two-hit games out of eight:

“I feel like my pitch selection has been pretty good. I’ve been taking good swings on pitches I should do damage to, and I’ve been drawing more walks, too, and that’s something I’m trying to work on, too—not trying to do too much and just sticking to my plan and take what the pitcher gives me.”

On almost getting third hit on overruled infield hit call against USM (strangely, he has not had three hits since opening Saturday against Northwestern):

“I knew I was out. I was telling our first-base coach this shouldn’t take too long. I need to work on the speed a little more because I feel like that’s a ball I should have beaten out.”

On it being a draft year but not changing anything:

“I’ve tried to keep the same thing. I’ve found what works for me and there hasn’t been much of a reason to change that. I’ve had success with my approach keeping it simple, so I didn’t see any reason to change.”

On defensive improvement:

“I feel like I’ve improved quite a bit. The infield coaches here are really good with that. As you keep playing more and more it becomes second nature and you’re just flowing with it. I’ve improved a lot and it’s an asset I have on the field—my defensive ability—and something I take pride in.”

On being from same Milwaukee suburb as Antetekounmpo family:

"A couple of his brothers went to a different high school where I’m from, a private school that’s a basketball school, but it’s right down the road. I’ve seen him around a couple of times but rarely.

On Christian Yelich being his favorite athlete:

“He is my favorite player. I really like his left-handed swing. That’s something I’ve always admired since he’s been a Brewer, and he’s obviously had a ton of success there.”

On balky back (he was DH against USM instead of playing first base because of the back issue):

“It’s good. It’s nothing serious. It’s just some tightness that’s going to go away. It’s nothing serious at all.”

On a beautiful day for a football with a large crowd that filled the Claiborne parking lot before I arrived, Tulane played its first spring game under new coach Jon Sumrall, who wants to take the Green Wave even farther than Willie Fritz did in winning 23 games while winning one conference title and competing for another in the past two years. With injuries on the offensive line and at cornerback making splitting into two teams unfeasible, the offense beat the defense 27-18 in a scoring system that awarded normal points to the offense and six points to the defense for a takeaway, three points for a 3-and-out and one point for a stop that took more than three plays. '

Here is the play-by-play with analysis:

Kai Horton went out first with the first-team offense, although Sumrall said nothing should be read into the order the QBs played. The running back was Makhi Hughes. The tight end was Reggie Brown. The wide receivers were Mario Williams, Dontae Fleming and Shazz Preston. The offensive line from left to right was RJ Whitehead, Shadre Hurst, Vincent Murphy, Josh Remetich and Landry Cannon. Tight ends Joshua Goines and Blake Gunter rotated in for two tight-end sets along with Brown.

The first-team defense had Michael Lunz at rush end, with Matthew Fobbs-White rotating in, Patrick Jenkins at defensive tackle, Eric Hicks at nose tackle and Angelo Anderson at end, with Tyler Grubbs and Dickson Agu at linebacker, Jayden Lewis at nickelback (Caleb Ransaw is the first-team nickel but was not out there for the first series), Lu Tillery and Rishi Rattan at cornerback, Jalen Geiger at strong safety and Bailey Despanie at free safety.

SERIES 1

1-10-25: Hughes +5 middle
2-5-30: Hughes +2 on second effort
3-3-32: INC pass off Rishi Rattan's hands on pass break-up
4-3-32: Punt +47 by Will Karoll
(defense 3-0)

Comment: The first part of the scrimmage was the Rishi Rattan show. I just asked Sumrall about him Thursday, and the fifth-year walk-on made four big plays early. Rest assured he will be on scholarship in the fall when there is room. Sumrall said Tulane was four over the limit last week, but attrition will take care of that soon.

Next, Darian Mensah went out with the No. 2 offense against the No. 2 defense. It was Iverson Celestine at RB (he's no higher than No. 4 and probably No. 5 in reality), Gunter at tight end, Shaun Nicholas, Bryce Bohanon and Phat Watts at wideout, with Yulkeith Brown making a cameo appearance whlie not 100-percent healthy, and from left to right, Noah Gardner, Darion Reed, Caleb Thomas, a number I did not take down and Whitehead on the offensive line.I did not write down Sully Burns on either group, so he must have been held out, further depleting a group already missing Rashad Green for all of the spring and Trey Tuggle with a serious knee injury he sustained last week, Matt Lombardi to an early-spring injury and Dominic Steward to a lingering illness. I did not see Lajuan Owens, either, so that would have left the O-line with eight guys, so I think Remetich may have doubled on on the first and second teams.

SERIES 2

1-10-21: Celestin +6 middle
2-4-27: Complete to Yulkeith Brown +3.
3-1-30: Celestine stuffed by Agu for 2-yard loss
4-3-28 Punt off the side of his foot by Brice Busch, generously given credit for 27 yards

(defense 6-0)

Comment: Brown did not play much after his short catch. Agu is going to have a big year for a linebacker group that will be elite with the return of Jesus Machado.

Ty Thompson went in with the 1s against the 1s for the next set of downs.

SERIES 3

1-10-45: Fumbled snap exchange no gain
2-10-45: Complete Williams crossing route +18
1-10-37: Reverse Fleming for minus-3 with Rattan making the tackle.
2-13-40: Arnold Barnes +2
3-11-38 Hughes draw +8
4-3-30: INC for Shazz Preston short, with Rattan defending

(defense 7-0)

Comment: Rattan did it all, diagnosing the misdirection play and defending a second straight third down pass. Speed and game playing experience are the concerns with him, but he is as fast as Jarius Monroe, who was a first-team All-AAC corner in 2023. The dude has been making plays in practice for years and may get a chance to see if he can do it in games under a new staff.

SERIES 4 (Horton)

1-10-32: INC on low throw
2-10-32: Trey Cornist +2 inside
3-8-34: Complete to Bohanon floater +28
1-10-38: INC dropped by Nicholas outside
2-10-38: SACK Parker Peterson up the middle minus-3 (he even hit Horton)
3-13-41: George Arata draw +6
4-7-35: INC scramble desperation pass deep for Watts and not close

(defense 8-0)

Comment: Nicholas has developed a case of the drops at the end of spring. He lined up with the first team at wideout in the previous scrimmage, but he had a drop there, too, and another one in practice this week. There were more drops by the group as a whole in the spring game than in any other scrimmage or 11-on-11 session.

SERIES 5 (Thompson)

1-10-35: INC misses Preston on the sideline
2-10-35: Barnes bounces outside +8
3-2-43: Thompson scramble +6
1-10-49: INC Yulkeith Brown drops pass
2-10-49: Penalty false start
2-15-44: Complete Reggie Brown +18
1-10-38: Complete Goines leak out wide open +29
1-G-9: Barnes hard run +9 TD
Extra point GOOD Ian Helmcke

(defense 8-7)

Comment: When the false start penalty backed up the offense, I thought to myself the defense was going to win easily because of the depleted O-line. From that moment on, the offense took control, first on passes to the tight ends. You can see how important the tight end will be in Greg Gasparato's scheme considering the best one on the roster, Alex Bauman, did not even participate in spring drills.

SERIES 6 (Mensah, after a kickoff into the end zone by Bobby Noel

1-10-25: Complete Watts beats walk-on Rodrek Williams for +24
1-10-49: Celestine spin move +6
2-4-45: Celestine no gain
3-4-45: INC overthrow Watts on short route
4-4-45: Complete Cornist +28, easily beating rush end AJ Thomas, who was in coverage
1-10-17: INTEFERENCE ON DK McGruder covering Terez Traynor +9
1-G-8: PENALTY false start
1-G-13: Complete Bohanon +13 in back of the end zone, beating Ransaw on bullet throw that went over Ransaw's head.
Extra point GOOD Noel

(offense 14-8)

Comment: Sumrall echoed what I have been saying about Ransaw after the game--that he will be an All-Conference caliber player--but he did not play that one well. Bohanon, whom I never was impressed with under Fritz, has come into his own as a possession receiver and guy who can make clutch plays. He will be a factor in the fall.

SERIES 7 (Horton)

1-10-25: Complete Hughes on tipped pass at line +11
1-10-36: Complete Fleming +3
2-7-39: INC Hughes drops
3-7-39: Complete Fleming scramble right deep ball +39
1-10-22: Complete Hughes screen +3
2-7-19: Hughes +8
1-10-11: Complete Williams pop pass minus-1 (brought down immediately by Rattan)
2-11-12: INC pressure forced errant throw to Gunter at goal line
3-11-12: Horton scramble +3
4-8-9: Field goal GOOD 27 yards Helmcke

(offense 17-8)

Comment: The two-minute warning happened after the first play, so they had a real clock rather than a running clock for the rest of the drive, helping the offense. Horton makes surprising mistakes at times, but he also has the most command of the offense at this point.

They had an eight-minute break for halftime.

How did he look in spring game?

The game was 4 15 minute quarters with a running clock except for the last 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters.

1st team OL from left to right- Whitehead, Hurst, Murphy, Remetich, Reed. Green and Tuggle are out injured. Dominic Steward had played 1st team tackle at times but he was out injured today too. Green missed the entire spring. Tuggle was the starting LT for the first couple of weeks till he got hurt. Steward got some reps with the 1's at times. The starting receivers are Williams, Brown, and Nicholas. When Brown was out Fleming stepped in and has had a really good spring. He has upped his game. Brown got hurt a week or so ago. But he was out there today. Horton and Thompson alternate with the ones. Mensah is primarily with the 2's.
On defense it has been Fobbs-White,Jenkins, Hicks, Henderson at times along with Lunz and Batiste. The LB's are Grubbs and Agu who has looked good. The CB's had been Tillery and Jai Eugene but Rishi Rattan, a WO, worked with the first team this week and started today. Before that I thought Eugene had looked good so not sure what is going on there. In his practice reports over the last few years Guerry has written up Rattan a bit as he constantly made interceptions. The safeties are Geiger at SS and Despanie at FS. Ransaw is the NB. The second unit has been Batiste, Friloux, Peterson and Anderson. The LB's Rodgers and Makai Williams. The CB's had been Rattan and McGruder with Tchienchou at SS and Kevin Adams at FS-hehas looked good this spring.

Helmcke took the field alone and kicked off to Fleming. Fleming was also alone on the return. It was a low kick to the 10.

The first series were 1's v. 1's. Horton at QB.
1-10-25: Hughes up the middle for 5
2-5-30: Hughes up the middle for no gain
3-3-30: Incomplete pass
4-3-30: Punt by Karoll for 50 yards.

The 2's came out next with Mensah at QB.
1-10-25: Celestine for 3
2-7-28: Pass to Brown for a loss of 2
3-9-26: Celestine loss of 2
4-11-24: Shanked punt by Busch.

Thompson came out with the 1"s:
1-10-45: fumbled the direct snap
2-10-45: Pass to Williams for 18 yards
1-10-37: sweep to Fleming, lost 3 ( these have not gone well usually, maybe our D knows when they are coming)
2-13-40: Barnes for 1
3-12-39: Hughes for 10
4-2-29: Incomplete pass

Horton came on. with the 2's
1-10-31: Incomplete to Nicholas
2-10-31: Cornist for 7
3-3-38: 24 yard pass to Bohanon
1-10-38: Incomplete to Nicholas
2-10-38: Sack by Peterson for a loss of 3
3-13-35: Arata ran for 7
4-6-42: Incomplete to Watts

Thompson came on with the 2's:
1-10-35: Incomplete pass
2-10-35: Barnes ran for 7 to the right side
End of 1st quarter

3-2-42: Thompson ran for 7
1-10-49: Incomplete pass
2-10-49: Offensive penalty for 5 yards
2-15-44: Pass to Brown for 19 yards
1=10-37- Pass to Goines for 29 yards ( he has looked good as a pass catching TE)
1-8-8: Barnes ran for a TD
Helmcke kicked the XP. It was good but a poor shanked kick to the left.

Noel Kicked off to Fleming- Kicked it a couple of yards into the end zone

Mensah out with back ups

1-10-25: Pass to Watts for 24
1-10-49: Celestine for 6 up the middle
2-4-45: Celestine up the middle for no gain
3-4-45: Incomplete pass
4-4-45: Pass to Cornist for 28
1-10-17; Incomplete to Traynor, penalty on the D for face mask
1-10-11: Offsides offense
1-15-16: TD pass to Bohannon ( team jumped up on the railing by the fans after the TD)
XP by Noel good- split the uprights

Helmcke kicked off to Preston- kick went to the 2.

Horton out with the 1's.
1-10-25: Tipped pass to Hughes for 11
2 minute warning per new rule
1-10-36: Pass to Fleming for 3 yards
2-7-39: Hughes dropped a pass over the middle
3-7-39: Rolled out and hit Fleming for 39 yards
1-10-22: Pass to Hughes for 3
2-7-19: Hughes for 8
1-10-11: Pass to Williams lost 1
2-11-12: Incomplete to Gunter in the EZ
3-11-12: Horton scrambled for 3
4-8-9: FG Good by Helmcke from 27 yards

Halftime- Offense up17-8

Noel Kicked off to Preston. Poor kick out of bounds at the 2

Thompson in with the 1's

1=10-25: Barnes for 1 middle
2-9-26: Barnes for 3 up the middle
3-6-29: Penalty for offsides on the offense
3-11- sack by Henderson or Agu- sea of bodies there on the far side from me
Punt by Hudlow for about 50 yards

Mensah with the 2's

1-10-30: pass for 11 yards
1-10-41: Weak pass to Mmahat knocked away from behind by a DB
2-10-41: Cornist for 4
3-6-45: Mensah scrambled for 10
1-10-45: Cornist ran for 4
2-6-41: Weak pass to an open Nicholas allowing a DB to come from benhind and break it up
3-6-41:Anderson got in and blocked the pass
4-6-41: Pass to Bohanon for 11
1-10-30: Offsides offense
1-15-35: Pass to Arata for 10
2-5-25: Offsides offense
2-10-30: Pass to Gunter for 6
3-4-24: Tchienchou broke up the pass to Bohanon
4-4-24: Mensah ran for 3

Horton in with the 1's

1-10-21:Sweep to Williams for 0
2-10-21: Celestine for 0
End of 3rd Quarter- offense up 17-12
3-10-21: TD pass to Fleming for 79 yards. Great coverage by Adams on a beautiful pass, Fleming caught it around the 40 and jostled away and went the rest of the way.The offense ran up the tunnel.
XP by Helmcke good on a low kick.

Helmcke kicked off to PrestonLow kick to the 8

Thompson with the 2's
1-10-25: Pass to Goines for 17
1-10-42: Arata runs for 1
2-9-43: shovel pass to Bohanon
1-10-48: Almost a sack , Thompson ran for 20
1-10-28: Incomplete to Traynor
2-10-28: Pass to Traynor for 8
3-2-20: Gunter dropped a pass right o him in the EZ.
4-2-20: Noel made 38 yard FG

Noel kicked off to Watts. it bounced at the 7.

Horton with the 2's:

1-10-25: Offense had to call a time out
1-10-25: Incomplete to Reggie Brown
2-10-25: Celestine for 1
3-9-26: Pass to Celestine for 18
1-10-44: Barnes for 1
2-9-45: Barnes for 5
3-4-50; Long pass to Desjardins, defensive pass interference. he still almost caught it.
2 minute warning.
1-10-35: Horton ran for 4
2-6-31: Celestine for 1
Time out offense
3-5-30: Celsestine off the right end for 27
1-10-3: Celestine TD run but wiped out by a holding penalty
1-10-13; PBU by Eugene
2-10-13: Cornist stuffed by Batiste-loss of 1
3-11-14: Interception by Eugene in the EZ
Final was offense 27-18

I will have a full spring game report later this weekend on a well-attended game Saturday morning, but there is one bit of bad news to report. Trey Tuggle, who has been practicing as the first-team left offensive tackle all spring, may be out for the season with a knee injury he sustained earlier this week. It was unclear whether Tuggle was up to the task to be the starting left tackle in the fall, but it is very clear no one else on the current roster can do it, so it will be critical that former Akron starter Ronan Chambers is a hit after announcing he would transfer to Tulane.

Jon Sumrall said Tuggle had a significant injury that would keep him out a long time,. Rashad Green, who missed all of spring following labrum surgery, is the surefire starter at right tackle unless he switches sides, but either way, the Wave has no real options outside of him and Chambers, who is stepping up in competition. There's no reason to doubt Chambers will live up to his word, but transfers do not sign letters of intent, so it's not guaranteed until he enrolls. Look for Tulane to pick someone else up, too, because one injury would be devastating.

"We need help at tackle," Sumrall said. "I haven't shied away from that. Trey's out for a while. It doesn't look like he's going to be back real soon. It looks like a long-term injury, which is unfortunate because he was having a fantastic spring and really doing a nice job. We've got to go get some help at tackle. I think it's on the way, but in the transfer world you don't ever know if it's on the way until it shows up. They are locked in when they get here, but we have to go get help at tackle for sure." `

RJ Whitehead started at left tackle in the spring game, with Landry Cannon on the right side. Freshman Dominic Steward, who spent much of the spring as the starting right tackle, was held out with a lingering illness that affected him for the final week-and-a-half. Matt Lombardi, another possibility, has been out for most of the spring and never has proven himself.

Predictably, Tulane's last practice before the spring game was an energetic affair after Jon Sumrall ripped the lackadaisical nature of Tuesday's workout, particularly a tepid full-contact goal-line drill that he said would not have cracked an egg if it were placed on the field. Although the Wave was just in shoulder pads and shorts, the intensity was high. Nickelback Caleb Ransaw, who I believe could be a first-team All-AAC performer, continued to impress. On one play during 11-on-11 work, he followed Dontae Fleming in motion from one side to the other and blanketed him 30 yards down the field, forcing an errant throw by Kai Horton he would have intercepted if it had been on target.

The first-team defense had Jalen Geiger at strong sfaety, Bailey Despanie at free safety, Lu Tillery at one cornerback and walk-on Rishi Rattan at the other corner. Ransaw was at nickel, and Tyler Grubbs and Dickson Agu were the linebackers. Grubbs ignited the entire defensive sideline when he clobbered Mahki Hughes, one of numerous big hits he has made during the spring. Grubbs had a tendency to freelance too much last year, but he has good instincts and is a playmaker. If he plays with a little more discipline, he will be a force.

The defensive line began with a unit of Michael Lunz at rush end, Gerrod Henderson at end, Patrick Jenkins at tackle and Eric Hicks at the nose, but the outside guys rotated in and out. The more normal first teamers Matthew Fobbs-White and Angelo Anderson entered pretty quickly, with A.J. Thomas getting some reps at rush end, too. The second-team line had Deshaun Batiste, Adonis Friloux, Parker Peterson and Fobbs-White from left to right, with frequent shuffling there, too. Chris Rodgers was one of the second-team linebackers, with Makai Williams and Mandel Eugene getting reps, too. The No. 2 cornerbacks were Jai Eugene and DK McGruder. Jayden Lewis was at nickel,, with Jack Tchienchou at strong safety and Kevin Adams at free safety.

The first-team wideouts were Shaun Nicholas, Dontae Fleming and Mario Williams. Next in were Shazz Preston, Bryce Bohanon and Phat Watts, but Garrett Mmahat and Terez Traynor got plenty of reps, too. Hunter Summers was probably in the mix, but I did not write his number down. I did see Trevor Evans.

RJ Whitehead and Darion Reed were the first-team tackles, with Landry Cannon coming in for Reed, who also lined up with the second time at right tackle. The left tackle on that unit was Dominic Steward. Trey Tuggle did not participate, presumably because of a minor injury but I did not see him.

The catch of the day, and a candidate for catch of the spring, was turned in by walk-on fullback George Arata, who dove to catch a pass with Mandel Eugene in tight coverage on the sideline. Eugene was furious with himself while the offensive sideline exploded in celebration.Arata played in last Saturday's scrimmage ahead of Iverson Celestine, which does not bode well for Celestine's future, but this was a heck of a play.

The last play of the practice was an impressive pass brekaup by Despanie, who had a good year last year and should be even better with the experience he gained as a starter.

Sumrall and Darian Mensah spoke after practice. I will get those quotes up at some point tonight.

Any rumors or grumblings about potential transfers in or out?

I have seen on twitter a lot of players posting that they are entering the portal. I am not sure what is going on at Louisville but they have had a large number of folks tweet that they are entering. I have also seen some local guys who were at P5 schools tweet out that they are transferring.

It is also interesting the number of players who are entering the portal who have already gone thru this process once before....including guys who didn't even make it thru a spring practice at their new school before entering again.

This new system is insane.

Tulane has had two players enter the transfer portal since it opened Monday, and neither was still practicing in the spring. Isaiah Boyd was not listed on the spring roster and was gone before the first practice. Jalen Rogers was there before spring break but I never saw him again. Although he has really good speed, Rogers never made any impact whatsoever in his time with the Wave because his hands were questionable and his route-running discipline was substandard. He was near the bottom of the depth chart at wideout, and the room is deeper now than it was under Fritz.

HIs departure leaves Tulane with Mario Williams, Yulkeith Brown, Shazz Preston, Shaun Nicholas, Bryce Bohanon, Dontae Fleming,Phat Watts, Hunter Summers, Terez Traynor and Jaylon Griffin as scholarship wideouts, plus a decent group of walk-ons including Garrett Mmahat, Trevor Evans, Luke Besh and Lucas Desjardins, with freshman Zycarl Lewis arriving in the summer.

I arrived at Tuesday's practice early to make sure I did not miss full pads and uniform goal-line work Jon Sumrall promised after Saturday's scrimmage, but I was underwhelmed by the lackluster affair when it happened. It turned out someone far more relevant was equally underwhelmed--Sumrall. The segment began with the offense at its own 1-yard line trying to move away from the goal line, and Makhi Hughes ran through a big hole to pick up a first down on the initial play. The ball was marked at the 2 for the next snap, and Tyler Grubbs came in untouched and tackled Hughes for no gain. Ty Thompson replaced Kai Horton at quarterback and rolled to his right before throwing the ball away under pressure from his own end zone. Second-team left tackle RJ Whitehead then committed a false start. Thompson then fumbled a snap by Caleb Thomas and had to pick the ball off the ground. Multiple players committed false starts on the next snap.

They switched to goal-line offense at that point with first-and-goal at the 1 against a six-man front of Deshaun Batiste, Eric Hicks, Parker Peterson, Adonis Friloux, Patrick Jenkins and Angelo Anderson. Hughes scored untouched after making one simple cut, then powered his way across the goal line up the middle. Horton threw low for Arnold Barnes in the flat, and he dropped it. Hughes had a second-effort TD run before Barnes was stuffed by linebacker Chris Rodgers short of the goal line. Horton had a pass deflected and almost intercepted before Shaadie Clayton-Johnson had two easy scores on runs. By that time, Sumrall had seen enough, but he purposely waited unti the end of practice to say anything.

"I thought it was really soft," he said when asked his opinion of the goal line drill. "It was embarrassing. We're at that point in practice. Today was (practice) No. 13, and that wasn't it. I told the guys post-practice if you think that's what it takes to beat great, we're going to be extremely disappointed with the results and the outcomes we get. Today was the first practice all spring where I felt like we mentally did not come out with the right mindset of how to practice and prepare to have a good day. That's on me. We've had one other day kind of like that earlier (exactly two weeks ago in the return from spring break), and I called the whole team up and let them know this is not how we're going to do things (in the middle of the practice). Today I didn't call them up because I wanted to see who would call them up, and nobody called them up. I'm not pointing a finger, but I want our guys to know somebody's got to lead. If you want to be a good team, you can be coach-led. If you want to be a great team, you gotta be player-led. I was sort of just waiting to see who would step up and (say), hey, what are we doing, boys? It didn't happen, so I let them know and we'll grow in that area. I'm glad we're learning these lessons in April, but I was not pleased with today's practice in some regards. I thought there were good parts of it, but the goal line period was a pillow fight. I don't know if would have cracked an egg if we had put one out there."

The star of the practice was Preston, who has really come on in the latter part of spring drills. I had my doubts about him at the beginning of drills even though he was a five-star recruit when he signed with Alabama out of St. James High--I don't care how much talent the Crimson Tide accumulates; his zero catches in two years were a red flag, I thought--but he has become a playmaker. He had a leaping grab in the end zone during a one-on-one drill early in Tuesday's workout and had a series of catches in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work.

"Shazz has started to stack days," Sumrall said. "The first three practices he had a play or two each day. and the first practice in pads he had a couple of big plays, and then he was limited (by a minor injury) for a couple of days before spring break. And then since the return of spring break, I've been very pleased. He's tracking the ball really well. He's got strong hands. He's a physical guy. He's got that body type that isn't a small receiver. Not that he's ridiculously long. He's a 6-foot-1-ish guy, but he's a bigger build. I'm not saying he's this guy, but I was at Ole Miss with A.J. Brown, and A.J., you'd look at him and think that guy could play running back or linebacker. Shazz has a stronger, more muscular build. He's playing more physical. He's playing more confident. He's stacked better days in a row. Instead of just being a one-hit wonder where he has a play or two each practice, he's been more consistent throughout the practices. I've challenged him. I've been very direct with him of you can have a play a day and be an OK player, but can you do it all the time? He's responding. Mario (Williams) has been great for that room, more than just the plays he makes. Mario is their biggest cheerleader, their biggest encourager that brings energy. He's been really good for Shazz, but I've been pleased with how he (Preston) has performed the last couple of weeks."

Preston is practicing at X (split end) along with Nicholas, who has looked good, too.

"Shaun has flashed, too," Sumrall said. "It's a lot for a freshman. He should be getting ready for prom this weekend, but he has flashed. He's made some plays down the field. He's been really good in the run game getting on safeties. I've been really pleased with Shaun. He's had a couple of drops that we have to clean up, but he had a couple of nice catches today and another drop, but he's had some things where he's flashed and it's like, OK, I can see the player and the upside in the player."

Michael Pratt attended the practice (along with Sincere Haynesworth), and the quarterbacks on the roster could take some pointers from Pratt's consistency. Ty Thompson and Kai Horton are erratic at times with their accuracy and decision-making, each having some beautiful throws and some head-scratchers as they learn the new offense. Horton hit Watts in a 7-on-7 drill with Jean Claude Joseph covering him tightly and threw a touchdown pass to Josh Goines on a crossing route, but he also overshot Summers in the end zone when he appeared open by a step and missed Goines twice in a row in 11-on-11 work. Thompson hit Watts in front of Rishi Rattan but threw behind Barnes in the flat and watched it go off his hands. Barnes has the worst hands of the running back, so the pass needs to be accurate when he is the target. Thompson also overthrew Williams early in 11-on-11 work along the sideline. I'm not picking on Thompson--I still believe he ultimately will win the job because of his skill set--but he definitely needs to get sharper. When they went to red zone work in 11-on-11, he overthrew an open Goines (Goines gets open a lot) before completing a pass to Preston in the end zone when Preston had to adjust to catch it behind him as he was falling down.

Dominic Steward returned after missing two practices with an illness. Trey Tuggle was out.

Jenkins practiced some at end again and definitely is being double-trained. The staff is aware of LSU's potential interest in him, and although you will not hear any public statements from Sumrall, they will not get in the fetal position and just hope he stays at Tulane. They have a plan in place, and it ultimately will be up to Jenkins to decide what is best for him, but it will not be an unfair fight if it materializes. Tulane has a lot to offer him.

Sumrall said Saturday's spring game would start at 10 a.m. and last about an hour, with a running clock except for the last two minutes of each half. It will pit the offense against the defense with a scoring system where the defense gets seven points for a touchdown, six points for a turnover, three for a 3-and-out and one for forcing a punt. The offense can try a conversion from the 10 worth four points. Otherwise, it will be the normal scoring system for them.

It's tax day today, and last week was taxing week for me as we cleaned out the house I grew up in to get it ready for an estate state this weekend. which is why this report is two days after the scrimmage. I twas nearly a monthlong process of combing through a two-story house uptown house two blocks from the Tulane campus and deciding what to get rid, disposing of big items and going through memories while doing it all.

Saturday's scrimmage was not as long as the one a week earlier, and the whistle blew before a completed tackle on several plays, but the intensity that has been the hallmark of Jon Sumrall's spring practices remained. Tulane is lacking bodies at certain spots due to minor injuries--particularly cornerback, where there were only four participating in individual position work before the scrimmage started--Lu Tillery,
Jai Eugene, DK McGruder and Rishi Rattan. Rayshawn Pleasant and Jaheim Johnson are out. The numbers were low at cornerback also because they had six guys practicing at nickel, including scholarship guys Caleb Ransaw, Jayden Lewis, Ski'Keem Laister and Jared Moorer (I think Moorer, a Charleston Southern transfer, is on scholarship). There were five safeties--Bailey Despanie,-Jalen Geiger, Jack Tchienchou, Kevin Adams and Joshua Moore.

They worked on punting before the scrimmage, and after booming a 53-yarder on his first attempt, Will Karoll was a little off form. His next one traveled 43 yards, and his next two went 37 and 38 yards. The pecking order for punt returners appears to be Mario Williams first (receivers coach Carter Sheridan confirmed last week they want Williams in that role), then Dontae Fleming, Bryce Bohanon and Hunter Summers. Bryce Bush punted second, and he hit a 51-yarder on his first effort, then a 44-yarder then a crappy one that bounced out of bounds next to Kai Horton who playfully ran down the field returning it. William Hudlow also punted a couple of times. The punt protectors were Michael Lunz, Eric Hicks and Deshaun Batiste.

The scrimmage, which had eight referees again, started at exactly 10:48 on a beautiful day with a comfortable temperature. Horton went out first this time after going out third last Saturday. The first-team offense was Trey Tuggle, Shadre Hurst, Vincent Murphy, Josh Remetich and RJ Whitehead from left to right on the offensive line with Reggie Brown at tight end, Makhi Hughes at running back and Mario Williams, Shaun Nicholas and Fleming at wide receiver. The first-team defense had Matthew Fobbs-White at rush end, Patrick Jenkins back in his customary tackle spot (he played end in the last scrimmage) Hicks at nose tackle and Batiste at end, although Angelo Anderson and Gerrod Henderson got time there, too. The first-team linebackers were Tyler Grubbs and Dickson Agu, with Ransaw at nickelback, Eugene and Tillery at cornerback, Despanie at free safety and Geiger at strongs safety.

The second-team offense had Trey Cornist at running back (Arnold Barnes is the No. 2 running back, but they wanted to see more of Cornist), Phat Watts and Shazz Preston (tight end Blake Gunter was in that package, too) at wide receiver and Josh Goines at tight end. The No. 2 O-line was Sully Burns, Lajuan Owens, Caleb Thomas, Landry Cannon and Darion Reed from left to right. The third-time wideouts were Summers, Terez Traynor and Garrett Mmahat.

The second-team defensive line was AJ Thomas at rush end, with Lunz rotating in, Anderson getting some time at tackle, Adonis Friloux at nose tackle and Batiste again at end, a spot that rotated constantly. Maxie Baudone got some time at nose tackle, too. The No. 2 linebackers were Makai Williams and Chris Rodgers, with Jean Claude Joseph rotating in. The No. 2 nickelback was Lewis, with McGruder and Rattan at cornerback, Adams at strong safety and Moore at free safety, with Tchienchou rotating in at strong safety quite a bit.

SERIES 1 (Horton)

1-10-25: Hughes +4
2-6-29: Mario Williams +6 end around
1-10-35: Hughes +8 up the middle
2-2-43: Horton scramble + 9
1-10-48: Hughes +5 on nice cut to get those yards
2-5-43: Intentional grounding on flea flicker, with Hughes getting the ball and flipping it back to Horton, fooling no one and forcing him to get rid of it deep with no receiver in the area
3-13-49: Hughes 51-yard TD run on draw.
EXTRA POINT GOOD BY HELMCKE

Comment: Hughes is such a natural, always picking out the right hole, making the first guy miss and playing with the right tempo. That said, he did not have to do much on the long score, which completely fooled the defense.

SERIES 2 (Ty Thompson)

1-10-25: Complete to Bohanon +19
1-10-44: Complete to Preston for 56-yard TD.
EXTRA POINT GOOD

Comment: Preston took a quick out, made the cornerback miss (I believe it was Tillery), then ran around a diving tackle attempt by Adams while straddling the sideline. Once he kept his balance, he was gone. It was a rare bad play by Adams in the spring but a great play by Preston.

SERIES 3 (Thompson)

1-10-25: PENALTY falses start
1-15-20: INC off the back of Griffin, who had tight coverage on Mmahat.
2-15-20: Thompson scramble +7
3-8-27: INC on throwaway after blitzing Makai Williams applied immediate pressure.

(I'm not sure what happened here, but maybe they called a penalty I did not see because it suddenly was first-and-10 at the 36)

1-10-36: Cornist +2
2-8-38: Cornist minus-3 when he was trucked by Rodgers in the backfield.
3-11-35: SACK Makai Williams (again, these weren't real sacks since the QBs were not allowed to be touched, but the pressure was good all day)

SERIES 4 (Darian Mensah)

1-10-30: Hughes minus-1 (whistle blew before he went down)
2-11-29: INC with Mensah being hit as he threw.
3-11-29: Mensah +1 scramble

SERIES 5

1-10-30: Complete Bohanon +8
2-2-38: Barnes +7 (he slipped making his cut but stayed on his feet)
1-10-45: Complete Goines +10 (he stepped out of bounds unnecessarily as he turned upfield, costing himself at least 10 yards)
1-10-45: PENALTY false start
1-15-50: Complete Barnes +9 dumpoff
2-6-41: SACK on pressure by Lunz for 7-yard loss
3-13-48: Complete Preston +12 on ball thrown slightly behind him
4-1-36: Deep throw that did not connect with Phat Watts when defense was offsides and Mensah knew it, but it ended up being ruled no play
4-1-36: SACK by Grubbs on roll-out. He got to Mensah right away on a blitz.

Comment: Mensah had no chance on the fourth down. Bohanon, by the way, looks like he can be a reliable possession receiver, something every team needs.

SERIES 6 (Thompson)

1-10-40: Shaadie Clayton-Johnson +2
2-8-42: Clayton-Johnson +42 over the right side. Again, there was a big hole, but Clayton-Johnson made the most of it.
1-10-18: Complete Fleming +1
2-9-17: Complete Reggie Brown for no gain (nice tackle by Tchienchou, who excels at bringing guys down)
3-9-17: INC on slight miscommunication with Fleming, who did not run the flag route as far to the sideline as Thompson appeared to think he would
4-9-17: FIELD GOAL 35 YARDS GOOD by Helmcke from the right has

SERIES 7 (Horton)

1-10-40: SACK -5 (there were about four guys who could have been credited with this one_
2-15-35: Complete Watts +11 (he broke a tackle to pick up a few extra yards)
3-4-46: INC batted down Hicks
4-4-46: PENALTY interference +15 when Tillery tackled the receiver deep. Meanwhile, Horton and Jenkins were jawing at each other and had to be separated. I was looking downfield and did not see what precipitated their dust-up, but it took more than one guy to keep Jenkins from going after Horton a second time)
1-10-39: INC dropped pass by Nicholas on the outside when he had room to run. The ball was slightly behind him but definitely should have been caught.
2-10-39 Clayton-Johnson no gain.
3-10-39 Interception by Agu on a bad throw

Comment: Horton forced one he should not have, but I believe Agu is going to have a big year.

SERIES 8 (Thompson)

1-10-40: George Arata +2
2-8-42: Interception by Moore on a deflection when Mmahat was hit as he tried to catch it. It was a heck of an interception just before the ball hit the ground.

Comment: This was not on Thompson. It was simply a heck of a play by the defense and Moore in particular.

SERIES 9 (Thompson)

1-10-40: Arata +4
2-6-44: PENALTY minus-7 for holding on a run play
2-13-37: INC Adams jumps route for Gunter and nearly has a pick six but can't hold on.
3-13-37: PENALTY + 5 (I think it was offsides)
3-8-42: INC on big hit by Moore (I did not record the number of the receiver)

They then went to red zone work.

SERIES 10 (Mensah)

1-10-20: Clayton-Johnson +2 running left
2-8-18: PENALTY false start
2-13-23: Clayton-Johnnson +13
1-G-10: Clayton-_Johnson clobbered by Grubbs minus-1
2-G-11: SACK on scramble when Mensah danced a little too much
3-G-18: Complete Watts +4 (tackle by Rattan)
4-G-14 FIELD GOAL 32 yards GOOD

Comment: Execution by the offense was poor on this possession. There were blocking breakdowns.

SERIES 11 (Horton)

1-10-20: Iverson Celestine +5
2-5-15: Complete Goines +9
1-G-6: Complete Bohanon +6 TD (he caught it outside of the end zone, turned up and got across the goal line near the sideline just before being popped)
EXTRA POINT good

Comment: Horton is at his best in these situations because he has been there before. He does not have a ton of playing experience, but it is a lot more than Thompson or Mensah, who has none

The scrimmage ended at 11:38, making it a 50-minute affair.

FINAL STATS (unofficial)

Horton 3 of 6 for 26 yards with 1 TD and one interception
Thompson 4 of 10 or 76 yards with a TD and an interception
Mensah 5 of 6 for 43 yards.

Shaun Nicholas was not supposed to be this good. The early-enrollee wideout from West Jefferson High, whom I interviewed for his track ability in a commitment spotlight last year, is showing surprising polish for a 2-star recruit who could be preparing for his high school prom right now if he were not in college. On Thursday morning, he teamed with Ty Thompson for the play of the week, running an intermediate route over the middle, hauling in a perfect dime from Thompson in tight coverage and turning it into a 60-plus yard gain before being tackled inside the 10. I expected him to be very raw. but he is anything but that in spring drills and appears capable of being a significant factor as a true freshman. With Yulkeith Brown out, he worked with the first-team wideouts on the outside, ahead of Shazz Preston, who plays the same position. Mario Williams, who had a rare off day with two drops, and Dontae Fleming were the other first-teamers. The second group had Preston, Phat Watts and Bryce Bohnanon.

In the quarterback rotation, it was Kai Horton's turn to start with the first unit. He did OK but was upset with himself for throwing too low for Preston on a short route in the flat. One of his biggest completions was to Garrett Mmahat, who had a big first day of spring drills but had been quiet since then. Horton tried to him him over the top a few plays later, but although Mmahat is faster than you would expect, he could not catch up to that one.

Thompson's throw to Nicholas was one few if any quarterbacks could execute better. He was on the move when he hit him in traffic right in the hands, throwing him open the way Drew Brees did for more than a decade with the Saints. But Thompson remains up and down. Another pass went off of Watts' hands when it could have been more accurate, and he was off target for an open Bohanon on another one. He did connect with an uncovered Josh Goines on an out route.

It was a chippy practice, which Jon Sumrall appeared fine with. Nicholas and DK McGruder nearly had a tussle, with guard Josh Remetich, normally one of the chippiest players on the team, having to scream at Nicholas from the sideline to stop engaging. A little later, Matthew Fobbs-White decked running back Iverson Celestine in the backfield (they were in shoulder pads and shorts), leading to a multiple-player scuffle that involved nothing more than shoving and yelling before it was broken up.

Jalen Geiger and Bailey Despanie were the first-team safeties, but Kevin Adams got some reps there as well. The other day I commented here about how I had not noticed touted freshman Jaydon Lewis much, but I realized why on Thursday. Listed at No. 1 on the rosters we were given, he actually is No. 31. He is getting plenty of quality reps at nickel and corner and nearly had an interception at the end of a practice, getting his hands on a pass from Darian Mensah but not quite squeezing it. McGruder and Rishi Rattan were the second-team corners. Jai Eugene and Lu Tillery normally are the first-team corners. I saw Tillery in that role but did not see Eugene, with Lewis getting some of those reps.

JC transfer RJ Whitehead got some reps with the first team at right tackle instead of Dominic Steward. The rest of the first team was the same as usual, with the second-team line consisting of Sully Burns, Lajuan Owens, Caleb Thomas, Landry Cannon and Darion Reed. Taylor Love got some time with Dickson Agu as they mixed and matched linebackers, with Jean Claude Joseph and Mandel Eugene getting the majority of the second-team reps.

Patrick Jenkins returned to his customary defensive tackle spot after working at end for significant stretches of the spring. Adonis Friloux was next to him on the nose, with Angelo Anderson and Fobbs-White on the outside.

The day ended with a little controversy. After a terrific sliding catch by Bohanon on a throw from Darian Mensah, a pass into the end zone was deflected by Despanie and caught by Goines in the back of the end zone. The offense celebrated what looked like a dramatic touchdown as the whistle blew to signal the finish of practice, but Goines clearly came down on the white out of bounds behind the back line. The defensive players who insisted it was not a catch were correct.

There will be another scrimmage tomorrow morning. I will have a full report but probably not until Sunday night or Monday morning. If anything huge happens like a major injury or an incredible performance, I will post it sooner.

JON SUMRALL

On practice scuffle caused by Fobbs-White's hit:

"That thump by Fobbs-White definitely got everybody fired up a little bit. I've been pleased with the energy and the effort all training camp. I haven't felt like we had a day that was a lull. There might have been a moment or two where I felt like we needed a little bit of a jolt. The Tuesday after spring break, I called everybody up and let them have it to understand that wasn't quite our standard from a tempo and a physicality standpoint, but for the most part the guys have brought energy, and when you have a play like that, it definitely gets everybody emotionally charged."

On Shazz Preston:

"He's got a good physical skill set. He's a strong guy. He has a good frame. It almost looks like he could be a safety or a running back almost. He's got a thick body in a good way with strength and power. Early in training game he was really, really good and had a lot of downfield catches. He had a couple of days where he was limited with a bone bruise and has bounced back and has had a good last week-and-a-half. I've been pleased with him. At X, the primary two guys going have been him and Shaun Nicholas, the two local guys. You can see where Shazz has the skill set and the ability. It's continuing to learn what we're doing, how we're doing it so he can build confidence in how to do things with detail. He's really come on. He's been growing. He transferred here without a whole lot of production, so him understanding I'm expected to be the guy, I didn't come here to watch. We're trying to get him to where he understands the expectation is for him to be at the top of his game every play, every day."

On Shaun Nicholas:

"Shaun has definitely outperformed expectations. I knew he could be a really good player. Recruiting him out of high school, we probably anticipated more of a developmental, raw, unpolished player. We had the privilege of having him in our camp (at Troy) a year ago last summer, and he really shined. He was a big-time presence. Then bringing him here, it looks like he belongs physically. When he opens his mouth and you hear his voice, he has a deep, baritone voice and sounds like a 30-year-old guy, not an 18-year-old guy. I've really been pleased with his toughness, his grit. He's had a couple of boo boos. You are going to get them playing this game, but he has made some plays. He has flashed. He's blocked great. There was a clip from the scrimmage last Saturday where he got in the run game and cracked the safety and made what would have been a 1-yard gain with an unblocked safety a 9-yard gain. His maturity has maybe been more developed than I anticipated. I thought he was going to be. more of a pup if you will, so high expectations for what he can do. I've been really encouraged with his play so far."

On not being a typical track guy from high school:

"I felt like he's a football guy that ran track, not a track guy that plays football. Early in training camp he had something the training camp said we may hold him out, and the next thing you know, he was like, I'm practicing, I'm good. There is a large value on guys that find a way to be available and are tough. We're smart tough, not dumb tough. If you have a real injury, slow down, but he was like, hey, it's a bruise. it's not something major. He fights through those things really well. I'm proud of what he's doing and think the future's really bright for him. He's got to keep growing."

Tulane's first practice since Saturday's scrimmage took place without wide receivers Yulkeith Brown (shoulder sprain) and Jaylon Griffin (hamstring), who were injured in the scrimmage. A third receiver who came up hobbling on Saturday, Terez Traynor, was back on the field and full go. The Green Wave practiced in pads but did not have heavy contact.

Jon Sumrall keeps insisting the quarterback battle is a three-player race with Darian Mensah having a real shot along with Ty Thompson and Kai Horton. Mensah definitely has talent, and he ended the practice with a completion downfield to Dontae Fleming on an inside route that Fleming turned into a 40-yard touchdown. That play came soon after the duo hooked up for 20 yards on a down and out pattern. I'm not sure Mensah can win the job since he never has played in a college game, but he definitely can be Tulane's quarterback of the future and was an excellent find by former coach Willie Fritz's staff. Earlier in the 11-on-11, he threw a nice pass to Mario Williams for a sizable gain.

The 11-on-11 session did not go as well for Horton and Thompson. Horton threw a pick-six to Caleb Ransaw, who should be really good at the nickel spot. Any time an opponent tries to put its best receiver in the slot, Ransaw has the coverage skills to hang right with them and make life tough for them. Thompson threw an interception to strong safety Kevin Adams, who continues to flash in spring drills at a spot where Jack Tchienchou also has looked good. Before the interception, Thompson threw a deep ball to no one in particular in what appeared to be a miscommunication or a wrong route.

While there were no changes on the first-team offensive line after the scrimmage, the second team looked a little different. Sully Burns remained the No. 2 left tackle behind Trey Tuggle (that will change when Akron's Ronan Chambers arrives in the summer) and Caleb Thomas remained the backup center, but Noah Gardner was the second-team left guard instead of Lajuan Owens and RJ Whitehead was the second-team right tackle instead of Darion Reed. I did not record the No. 2 right guard at the scrimmage, but Landry Cannon was the guy in Tuesday's practice and very probably ran second team at that spot on Saturday, too.

The Wave will be back at it on Thursday and Friday (for what I believe will be a special teams-focused light walkthrough) before Saturday's scrimmage. We talked to the ever-engaging Jon Sumrall (easily the best quote for any head coach I've covered since Steve Spurrier, and he is totally willing to answer the same questions from different TV guys who show up for each practice while putting a new twist on each answer), wide receivers coach Carter Sheridan, another great talker, and Ransaw after practice.

SUMRALL

On takeaways from scrimmage after reviewing the video:

"Defensively we started really good. We got fortunate for a penalty on the first play of that drive. Part of the offense starting out early was self-inflicted. Yulkeith's catch down the visiting sideline, we had a lineman downfield, and if we don't have that penalty, the offense might have started faster. Tulane can't beat Tulane (here's a clear difference from Fritz, who always said Wave can't be the Wave rather than Tulane can't beat Tulane). We have to line up and operate without penalties, so I thought defensively was quicker to the job. Offense found their stride. Certain individuals made some plays that gave you hope. Mario only played nine plays (which is more than I thought). We were giving a lot of other guys opportunities to see who are they, what are they about. Dontae really flashed and made plays with the ball in his hand and on the go. He's playing like a guy that knows his clock's ticking and he's ready to go execute at a high level. Duda (Barnes) played well. He dropped that screen. If he catches that screen, he probably would have done great. Shaadie (Clayton-Johnson) had a good scrimmage. All three quarterbacks made some good decisions and all three had some plays you'd like to have back, so a lot of times in that position it's not so much the big plays you make that are positive. It's avoiding the negatives, and we have to continue to grow there. Those were really the main takeaways on offense, and then defensively we were rolling enough different guys trying to see who could step up. The household names you know you've got. We were trying to figure who's the next-up guy."

On Caleb Ransaw:

"Caleb is extremely valuable. He is a big, physical, athletic guy. He matches up well. He could play field or boundary corner, too, but some of the best battles we've had this training camp are in the slot watching him go against Mario or when he gets matched up against Yulkeith. That's been fun to watch. A lot of back and forth. Caleb's skill set's real, and he's become over the last 18 months a real student of the game. He's a high level player and somebody we can depend upon. Behind him at slot corner and nickel you've had Jayden Lewis play a lot as a true freshman. I'm really excited about him, too (I'll be honest, I have not noticed Lewis around the action much, and I began spring drills looking for him). Caleb's more seasoned, but you've seen both those guys flash. Caleb's a really good player and understands the game at a high level because he studies it."

On Jai Eugene making plays in scrimmage:

"Good. We're just trying to get him confident. He obviously hasn't played really, so we're just trying to get him confident in his skill set and understanding what he's seeing with techniques, calls. He played quarterback in high school, so it's a steep learning curve. There's a lot different movement wise and space wise than what he's done, but he's done a nice job. He's had some good things and some learning things. A work in progress, but he went with the 1s on Saturday and really has to keep stacking days and improving and just grow a little bit each day."

On retaining Carter Sheridan and moving him back to receivers coach after he coached running backs for Fritz last year:

"I've known Carter. I'd never worked with Carter, but I've known him. He was here in a previous stint and had been with the Saints and been with LSU and then was back last year as running backs coach. I always viewed him as a receiver coach more just in our conversation, not that he wasn't a good running backs coach. But good local guy, great energy, very knowledgable, adds a lot of value to our staff. This is home for him and he takes pride in being from here. He's very detailed and energetic with our guys. I really like what he brings to the table."

On Jai Eugene having DB bloodlines from dad:

"It didn't hurt. Can't maybe stick the dad's mind in the son's, but there is experience there. He's probably asked his dad questions or drawn on his dad's experience at times. His dad's a phenomenal guy. He's around a decent amount. I get to see him. A guy that's played quarterback understands the game big picture. At that position it's understanding leverage, split and spacing by the receiver, different cues you're looking for, and the movement patterns are different. Playing corner you're out there on an island. The things that are required of you to play that position at a high level are unique, so just getting comfortable with those and being pushed there."

I put my interview with him on the front page.

Link

Scroll down to the fourth player.

The first scrimmage of the Jon Sumrall era did not disappoint, with a lively 13-series affair that lasted a little more than a hour Saturday morning in beautiful weather at Yulman Stadium. The eighth practice of the spring began with a long drill in which the defenders tackled rolling donuts to get them ready for full contact. They also attempted several punts, with Will Karoll booming them high and usually deep. The drop-off to walk-ons Bryce Busch and William Hudlow, who each attempted one while Karroll had five, was substantial. The punt catchers were Dontae Fleming, Mario Williams, Bryce Bohanon and Hunter Summers. They also did a very short 7-on-7 prelim.

Matt Lombardi did not participate along with the guys we knew were out for all of spring--Jesus Machado, Rashad Green and Alex Bauman. When the scrimmage started, the newly healthy Ty Thompson was front and center as he made up for lost time at the beginning of the spring, going in for the first series and getting the most work of the three quarterbacks. The first five series started at the offense's 25. The next three started at the 30 before another one at the 25, three more at the 30 and a final one at the 40.

Yulkeith Brown got hurt on the first play and did not return. Mario Williams had one carry on a reverse and I did not see him again. The three quarterbacks all got to operate with the first-and second-team offense against the first- and second-team defenses.

The first-team offensive line had, from left to right, Trey Tuggle, Shadre Hurst, Vincent Murphy, Josh Remetich and Dominic Steward along with tight end Reggie Brown. Makhi Hughes was the first-team back. The receivers rotated in and out, particularly with Yulkeith Brown and Williams leaving early (Williams was not injured as far as I know).

The first-team defense had Patrick Jenkins at end rather than tackle, and he stayed there the whole time he was playing. Matthew Fobbs-White was the rush end, with Elijah Champaigne and Eric Hicks inside (Adonis Friloux was in there early, too). The first-team linebackers were Tyler Grubbs and Dickson Agu, with Jai Eugene and Lu Tillery at cornerback, Caleb Ransaw at nickelback, Bailey Despanie at free safety and Jalen Geiger at strong safety.

SERIES 1 (Thompson)

1-10-25: Complete to Yulkeith Brown for +25 on pretty throw and diving catch near the sideline. Brown landed on his shoulder and was hurt, and the play was nullified by a penalty.
1-15-20: Makhi Hughes +11
2-4-31: Hughes +9
1-10-40: Reverse to Mario Williams diagnosed by Jenkins that turned into 11-yard loss (Williams bobbled the pitch).
2-21-29: Arnold Barnes +5
3-16-34: SACK by Fobbs-White for minus-8 (the whistle blew when he got close; QBs were not allowed to be touched.

Comment: the holes opened for Hughes on his first two runs were sizable.

SERIES 2 (Thompson)

1-10-25: Hughes minus-1
2-11-24: Complete to Reggie Brown +21 (popped by Jai Eugene)
1-10-45: Hughes +2
2-8-47 INC on screen that Barnes dropped with room to run
3-8-47: INC Bailey Despanie breaks up for Dontae Fleming

SERIES 3 (Darian Mensah)

1-10-25: Mensah scramble +1
2-9-26: PENALTY false start
2-14-21: Iverson Celestine +3
3-11-24: INC deep for Bryce Bohanon not close, but PENALTY +5 on defense
3-6-29: INC for Blake Gunter at the sticks

SERIES 4 (Mensah)

1-10-25: Trey Cornist +7
2-3-32: Cornist +2
3-1-34: Complete to Jaylon Griffin minus-4 on big hit by Kevin Adams

Comment: Adams made an outstanding play, reading the pop pass and making no mistake in bringing down Griffin right after he caught it.

SERIES 5 (Mensah)

1-10-25: George Arata +2
2-8-27: INT Rishi Rattan diving interception of a deep ball

Comment: Rattan has made more interceptions in practice than anyone on the team since walking on a few years ago. I don't have that documented, but it sure feels that way. He used to pick off Justin Ibieta regularly. I'm skeptical about Rattan's ability to get playing time, but he is playing cornerback with the second-team defense right now. This was a heck of an interception.

SERIES 6 (Kai Horton)

1-10-30: Complete to Reggie Brown over the middle +32
1-10-38: Clayton-Johnson +8 on second effort.
2-2-30: Clayton-Johnson no gain
3-2-30: Clayton-Johnson sidesteps tackler at line +3
1-10-27: Barnes +27 TD run
Extra point: GOOD Bobby Noel

Comment: Barnes' run was terrific. He had a nice hole, but also made two sharp cuts in the open field to easily get by tacklers, allowing him to cruise into the end zone. He is a player. Reggie Brown was wide open on his big catch due to a defensive bust on a misdirection play, but he will be a significant factor in the passing game. He looks the part.

SERIES 7 (Thompson)

1-10-30: Complete Bryce Bohanon +19 inside
1-10-49: Complete Shazz Preston +24 slant (he nearly broke it for a score)
1-10-27: Thompson keep +1
2-9-26: Complete Phat Watts outside on DK McGruder tight coverage +7
3-2-19: INC overthrow fade for Terez Traynor in the end zone. Traynor was well covered.
4-2-19: Complete Bohanon +19 TD pass.
Extra point: GOOD Ian Helmcke

Comment: Thompson was really good on the TD, rolling to his right and hitting Bohanon in the corner of the end zone as Bohanon ran parallel to the goal line, beating Rattan easily. Thompson is a natural passer.

SERIES 8 (Mensah)

1-10-30: INC
2-10-30: Clayton-Johnson +3
3-7-33: Complete Dontae Fleming +17
1-10-50: Clayton-Johnson +5
2-5-45: INC overthrow open Shaun Nicholas on slant
3-5-45: PENALTY offsides on Gerrod Henderson +4
3-1-41: Barnes +2
1-10-39: INC for Preston down the sideline, looked like pass interference but no flag
2-10-39: Cornist +7
3-3-32: Cornist +3 left side
1-10-29: Cornist +10 bouncing outside off tackle
1-10-19: Cornist +5
2-5-14: Complete Phat Watts +14 TD on crossing pattern.
Extra point: GOOD Noel

Comment: Mensah has plenty of arm talent, too, but is more inconsistent than Thompson on his throws. He made a good decision on the TD, not forcing the ball and waiting until Watts got open.

SERIES 9 (Horton)

1-10-25: Arata +4
2-6-29: INC on floated pass in traffic for Traynor, who was shaken up after getting hit on the play
3-6-29: Complete to Jaylon Griffin +24 over the middle
1-10-47: INC overshoots Bohanon on slant
2-10-47" INC pressure throwaway
3-10-47: Complete Trevor Evans +5 underneath
4-5-42: INC over Evans' head deep

Comment: Although he led a TD drive on his first series, this was not one of Horton's better days. He was inconsistent with his accuracy and decision-making.

SERIES 10 (Thompson)

1-10-30: INC dropped by Shaun Nicholas on pass Thompson made under pressure
2-10-30: PENALTY holding negates 13-yard run by Iverson Celestine (I did not catch the hold)
2-20-20: INC low throw for Reggie Brown
3-20-20 PENALTY offsides
3-15-25: SACK on blitz by Jai Eugene that caused whistle to blow

SERIES 11 (Thompson)

1-10-30: Complete Reggie Brown +10
1-10-40: Clayton-Johnson +3
2-7-43: INC for Blake Gunter over the middle
3-7-43: Complete to Jaylon Griffin +9 on juggling catch. He was shaken up at the end of the play.
1-10-48: INT on deep ball by Kevin Adams

Comment: The interception was a poor read by Thompson. Still a nice play by Adams.

SERIES 12 (Mensah)

1-10-30: complete Josh Goines +40 over the middle (longest play of the day)
1-10-30: PENALTY false start
1-15-35: PENALTY false start
1-20-40: Complete Josh Goines +13 catch and run
2-7-27: bad snap by Caleb Thomas that resulted in whistle and do-over.
2-7-27: Cornist +11 run through big hole that could have gone for more.
1-10-16 INC deflected at line
2-10-16: Cornist minus-3
3-13-19: SACK minus-6 on pressure from Gerrod Henderson that resulted in whistle
4-19-25: Field goal 43 yards wide right (I missed the number of the kicker but will try to find out Tuesday)

SERIES 13 (Horton)

1-10-40: INC dropped by Blake Gunter on pass thrown slightly behind him
2-10-40: Complete Gunter +10
1-10-50: INT on pass that deflected off the outstretched hands of Trevor Evans (I could not see who caught it and everyone ran on to the field when Sumrall blew the whistle ending the scrimmage)

Comment: the interception meant all three quarterbacks directed one TD drive and threw a pick.

FINAL NOTES

--According to my stats, Thompson finished 7 of 14 for 113 yards, while Horton was 4 of 10 for 71 yards and Mensah went 5 of 11 for 80 yards.

--Standouts on defense were Jenkins, Jai Eugene and Kevin Adams, although I don't really know how well Adams fared aside from his two big plays.

--Standouts on offense were Thompson, although he made some mistakes, Duda Barnes and Bohanon

--I'm not sure whether it's good or bad that the offensive line opened up some big holes. Probably somewhere in the middle.