There seems to be some confusion about when Tulane is heading to Mobile, but I know it is noon Saturday. The team did not leave Friday. I picked up my game credential on campus Friday.

If Tulane plays up to it expectations on Saturday at South Alabama, I see really good things happening in September. Navy was absolutely awful tonight against BYU and should be no match for Tulane in the home and conference opener. USM coach Jay Hopson just resigned after the dismal performance against South Alabama, so that team figures to be in a disarray. There is no reason the Wave should not start 3-0 and be dominant in the process, likely earning its first top-25 ranking since 1998.

October will be much tougher, with games at Houston, home against SMU, at UCF and home against Temple. Tulane is 0-6 against SMU, 1-3 against UCF (with the lone win against a team that went 0-12) and 0-4 against Temple since joining the AAC (but 3-3 against Houston), so this will be a chance to make history and reverse the negativity against three teams that have its number. Just about everyone on the team is talking about having a special year, and they have the opportunity in front of them.

It is exciting to think about it.

The city press conference yesterday got very interesting for Tulane very quickly. They mayor was very defensive when asked about why high school football can't play. The cities top health official said the Saints can play only because of a work place exemption. When pressed about Tulane and how they have been able to practice and play contact sports in the city while they are in Phase 2 the health official basically said she didn't know what Tulane was doing.

So this lead to Tulane putting out a statement on social media defending what they have done including putting the specific date when they met with city officials to discuss issues related to our football program.

I'm glad Troy got out in front of this and put out that statement. I will have to admit that when I saw press conference the first thing I thought was that the city was going to shut us down.

Guerry, I think this would be a great story to find out exactly what is going on. I have to think Tulane has been transparent with the city and has gotten approval for everything they have done. I think the city is in a bad spot because they keep using Phase 2 as the reason for no HS football yet now it is out there that Tulane has been playing even though we are in phase 2.

I have not done any interviews or been to a workout --they were closed anyway under Ron Hunter before the pandemic and certainly will be closed now because they won't want anyone penetrating the bubble indoors--but I have heard some things about this team, which began playing together the week before July 4 with no coaches around. The coaches began conducting on-court instruction (not full practices) in late July, so this team has been together for a while now and hopes to have Vandy transfer Oton Jankovic cleared by the NCAA to compete this season (it's not a done deal either way).

Here is what I learned:

--The season may start right after Thanksgiving with non-conference games. Nothing has been settled yet, with a normal start, a late December start and the Thanksgiving start being considered, but the latter one makes the most sense because a majority of schools are ending classes before Thanksgiving. It would be easy to get the players in a bubble post-Thanskgiving through December.

--Jaylen Forbes has a good chance to be the team's leading scorer. The 6-5 Alabama transfer has an offensive game and is a good on-ball defender in the matchup.

--The most improved player is Tylan Pope, who likely will play the 4 after having virtually no roll a year ago as a freshman. His offensive game needs some refinement, but he is an aggressive rebounder for a team that needs exactly that.

--Sion James will play a lot, even though freshmen normally don't under Hunter. He is going to be a big-time performer.

--Tulane will have its best backcourt in several years, with James, Southern Miss transfer Gabe Watson, Jordan Walker and Forbes. R.J. McGee will have to play well to earn significant minutes because the competition will be stiff.

--Nebraska transfer Kevin Cross has a game similar to Samir Sehic but is a better outside shooter. Sehic struggled from the perimeter even though he considered himself a good shooter. He may push Nobal Days out of the starting lineup.

--Jankovic is quicker than the average big man. If he becomes eligible, depth will still be shy in the frontcourt but it won't be a dire situation.

--Ibby Ali could return from his shoulder issue (I believe it is a shoulder issue) in late November/December. That's the hope anyway.


--Jadan Coleman needs some time to develop but already is a good outside shooter who can be streaky hot. Even if he does not contribute much this year, his upside is good.

--Buay Koka is still on the team but probably will not play much.

Without the transfers becoming eligible, Tulane was headed for a Mike Dunleavy-final-year type season. The story is different now. Considering what happened with Teshaun Hightower in the offseason, Hunter did a good job convincing transfers to join the program. It could not have been easy, but his positive approach worked wonders.

This will be short because I'm doing a huge package for The Advocate that will run Saturday but is due today, with the same setup they've done the past several years on game day plus a position-by-position analysis that will run on a full page.

A day after the latest round of coronavirus testing, Tulane got some players back rather than losing anyone. All of the results came in quickly, and some players returned from injuries or the end of a quarantine period. I saw Michael Remondet, who had been out since they returned from a three-day hiatus last Thursday. Tyrek Presley and Dane Ledford were in uniform, although Ledford did not get any team reps. Kiland Harrison was back after missing several days, working with the second-team defense at cornerback. Keitha Jones did not have his helmet, but he was not due to play against South Alabama anyway. Willie Fritz said after the practice that more players are ending their quarantine Friday. My unofficial list of possibilities includes Angelo Anderson, Adonis Friloux, Cornelius Dyson, Caleb Thomas and a few more backup offensive linemen.

It is a good thing the South Alabama game is at night because Tulane's defensive end depth is limited. Walk-on Noah Seiden practiced with the second team again as the backup to Cameron Sample. Carlos Hatcher backed up Patrick Johnson. I did not see Darius Hodges out there, and Armoni Dixon is injured. Davon Wright practiced with the second unit at defensive tackle along with Eric Hicks, and with Alfred Thomas also available, depth is better inside.

Fritz said Josh Remetich and Trey Tuggle are slated to start on the right side of the offensive line, giving Tulane two true freshman starters up front for an opener for the first time in my memory. Ben Knutson and Jaylen Miller will rotate in, with Cameron Jackel also available at tackle. Timothy Shafter was the second-team center instead of Remondet, who missed a lot o time. Don't look for Remondet, Rashad Green or Joseph Solomon to play Saturday. All three of them were on the scout-team offensive line today.

Although I have praised Kyle Meyers repeatedly in the practice reports, he was not with the first unit today. Willie Langham, who has had an excellent preseason, too, was the second cornerback, and Ajani Kerr was at nickel.

I talked to Fritz and offensive line coach Cody Kennedy after practice and will post the Zoom calls when they become available.

Tulane's last big practice before the opener at South Alabama has come and gone, with the Wave working out at Yulman Stadium this morning, and it was an intense one. Will Hall coaches his guys really hard because he is driven to succeed, and he was not happy after a few two many mistakes in a seven-on-seven drill. He got on Amare Jones pretty good for a busted pattern, but by the end of the practice, he celebrated a Jones touchdown catch by running across the field and doing a jumping chest bump with him. He explained his tough love simply: "I want you to be great." I'll never forget the interview I did with Hall on the Thursday after the Auburn loss last year. I was expecting him to talk about things the offense could do better while acknowledging how tough it was to make headway against Auburn considering the trouble blocking those guys. and instead he said it was his most embarrassing moment as a coach and apologized for the wretched performance of the offense, saying it would never happen again. He is a competitor and was not about to use Auburn's talent level as an excuse. Just about every time a receiver catches a pass in the end zone during individual drills, Hall hollers out "touchdown." He exudes confidence.

Honestly, he had plenty to be upset about today. There were too many drops, which has been a periodic issue but not an every-day issue this preseason. In one short stretch of 7 on 7, Cameron Carroll dropped a sure touchdown pass from Michael Pratt, Mykel Jones dropped a deep ball from Keon Howard, Tyjae Spears dropped a short pass and Christian Daniels dropped one over the middle. That's too many drops, although there was only one more for the rest of practice, when Mykel Jones dropped a tough one while running across the back of the end zone.

Michael Pratt has been an inconsistent thrower all preseason, but he made a couple of beautiful passes today, indicating his natural gifts. First, in a drill where the planned situation was fourth-and-goal from the 14, he lofted a floater to Jha'Quan Jackson in the back corner of the end zone, hitting him in stride with little separation from lwalk-on safety Jonathan Mestayer and cornerback Kevaris Hall. This was a play Tulane's previous quarterbacks under Willie Fritz would have connected on seldom. A little later, Pratt hit Jha'Quan Jackson on a deep out when he was matched with linebacker Kevin Henry. Henry had good coverage, but Pratt put the ball in a spot where only Jackson could get it tight to the sideline. If anything happens to Howard Saturday, Pratt will have to play. and he has the potential to do a good job. He just needs to cut out the plays like the one in individual drills today when he bounced a pass about five yards in font of Jacob Robertson. The learning curve for freshmen is steep enough mentally that they cannot afford to make physical errors as well.

Howard's best throw was a deep out to Mykel Jones, who beat Larry Brooks to the sideline. Jones may or may not start Saturday and has been up and down in the preseason, but he definitely gets open. Two plays after that completion, after they had moved the ball back inside the offense's 20-yard line, Jones threw a pick six that Ajani Kerr juggled as the receiver fell down before taking to the house.

Justin Ibieta, who missed three straight practices last week while waiting for a coronavirus test result, was not sharp today, underthrowing a deep ball to Tyrick James that Ton'Quez Ball intercepted easily on the last play of 7 on 7. Ibieta did not get as many reps as the other two quarterbacks.

Barring any unforeseen event, I am almost certain about the 11 defensive starters if Tulane opens up in its base defense against South Alabama: Patrick Johnson, Jeffery Johnson, De'Andre Williams and Cameron Sample up front, Kevin Henry and Marvin Moody at inside linebacker, Willie Langham at nickel, Kyle Meyers and Jaylon Monroe at cornerback, Larry Brooks at strong safety and Chase Kuerschen at free safety. Ajani Kerr will play a lot, too, particularly when the Wave needs an extra defensive back. The coaches don't trust backup corners Kevaris Hall and Levi Williams yet, so their time will be limited with Langham the clear No. 3 corner and Kiland Harrison out injured.

The battle for starting right offensive tackle is ongoing and will be settled by performance in the early games. Cameron Jackel was on the first team today, with Trey Tuggle on the second unit at left tackle and Jaylen Miller on the second unit at right tackle. One of those three will get the job. Fritz mentioned Tuggle first (not saying he was first team, but bringing his name up first) when I asked him about the competition, Miller next and Jackel third.

NOTES

--Ygenio Booker and Sorrell Brown returned to practice today. Booker missed only one day, while Brown was out for a few weeks with an unspecified injury. Their return means every potential receiver is available but wideouts Dane Ledford and Tyrek Presley and tight ends Will Wallace and Reggie Brown, including all of the running backs. I've been to practice virtually every day, but your guess is as good as mine as to the eventual pecking order at wide receiver. Every single player has to prove himself.

--Fritz confirmed Ethan Hudak was on scholarship and was the No. 1 long snapper, although he added Matt Smith gave the team two good ones. Listed as No. 57 on the roster, Hudak is wearing No. 45.

--When one drive stalled in 11-on-11, Fritz had Merek Glover attempt a 36-yard field goal. He made it.

--Fritz had crowd noise pumped in today just like yesterday because schools are allowed to pump in crowd noise in the absence of fans this year.

--Tulane still does not have a backup center practicing, so Sincere Haynesworth gets all the reps. He snapped one too high today and it bounced off Pratt's hands, but the rest of his snaps were fine.

--Look for Cameron Carroll to be Tulane's goal-line back. He almost always gets the first reps when the offense practicing goal-line stuff.

--Jacob Robertson has only 23 career catches, but he is a good athlete. Today, he jumped and spiked the ball over the crossbar in one end zone.

--Drew Harris is serving as the scout team quarterback for South Alabama

--Brooks was alert on a surprise onside kick during kickoff drills, racing to cover the ball easily.

--It looks like the three freshman offensive linemen who were expected to compete for playing time will play. Rashad Green lined up as the second-team left guard. Joseph Solomon and Matt Lombardi, who is hurt, likely will be redshirted.

--Phat Watts had one really good play, diving to catch a low throw from Pratt, and one bad play, jumping offside and catching Hall's ire.

Unless there is an injury or coronavirus test issues tomorrow or Friday, it looks like all of Tulane's starters will be available to play against South Alabama on Saturday. In addition, only one sure contributor, freshman safety Cornelius Dyson, missed this morning's practice, although a few other likely contributors were absent, too. The Green Wave actually is down 20 scholarship players by my count due to injury or other reasons--the Wave does not confirm coronavirus issues--but none of them are pivotal guys.

Justin Ibieta practiced today, so all three scholarship quarterbacks are available. Wide receiver Tyrek Presley, offensive lineman Matt Lombardi, tight end Will Wallace, cornerback Reggie Neely and running back Ygenio Booker were in attendance but did not have their helmets along with Kanyon Walker, who has not practiced in ages due to a hip issue. Angelo Anderson, Brandon Brown, Adonis Friloux, Kiland Harrison, Dyson, Armoni Dixon, Shi'Keem Laister, Dane Ledford, KJ Vault, Reggie Brown, Stephen Lewerenz, Caleb Thomas, Nik Hogan and Michael Remondet I did not see at all. Reggie Brown has a serious leg injury, but th others may be sidelined due to contact tracing or a positive test. Wide receiver Sorrell Brown did not practice in the portion I saw either, but he was in pads with his helmet on for the first time in a few weeks,. so he appears to be close. Jha'Quan Jackson was in a full-contact jersey for the first time in more than a week.

Depth could be an issue on the defensive line, where walk-on Noah Seiden continues to get second-team reps, but the Wave is in pretty good shape compared to teams across the country. Sincere Haynesworth continues to be the only true center practicing, but he will play every down Saturday barring injury.

The first-team offense line was the same as normal, with Josh Remetich continuing to get all the reps with the first unit at right guard.

The first-team defense had all of the usual suspects, too, although Willie Langham spent some time at both cornerback and nickelback, replacing Kyle Meyers, with Ajani Kerr going in at nickelback. The second-team defense had Carlos Hatcher, Albert Thomas, Eric Hicks and Noah Seiden, with Darius Hodges getting some reps in place of Seiden. Davon Wright was in individual drills, so I'm not sure why he was on the second unit for team drills. The cornerbacks were Kevaris Hall and Levi Williams, but neither of them figures to get much run in the game with Langham the clear No. 3 corner. The backup safeties are Macon Clark and Ton'Quez Ball. The linebackers continue to rotate with Kevin Henry and Marvin Moody out first and then Dorian Williams and Nick Anderson. The guys I just mentioned are the ones who will play against South Alabama, with extras getting in depending on the score and situation.

The closest battle on the offensive line might be Jaylon Miller and Trey Tuggle at right tackle. I assumed Miller was with the first unit--he has been there almost all preseason--but then saw him with the second unit at left tackle along with left guard Jackson Fort, Tim Shafter at center, Ben Knutson at right guard and Cameron Jackel at right tackle. The first unit did not go back in before I left to get home in time for the Zoom call. Depth is an issue on the offensive line, but the starters usually play almost every meaningful down anyway.

All four of the top running backs practiced, so Tulane is in good shape there. I still am not sure what the rotation will be at receiver or even who will start, but it likely will be some combination of the Watts twins, Jha'Quan Jackson, Jacob Robertson and Mykel Jones, with Jaetavian Toles in the mix as well. I don't know what happened to Ledford, who practiced Saturday, but if he and Sorrell Brown are available, they would get some downs along with Ryan Thompson. That position is going to be totally determined by performance once the season starts since none of the receivers is proven.

Hoping there will be one. Practice, that is, as well as an update.

Tulane moved its Saturday morning workout from the Superdome to Yulman Stadium because players wanted to practice in the heat, so I was able to attend. The time was moved back an hour, so it was even hotter than normal before a cloud cover mercifully arrived during the last half-hour or so. It was just like Willie Fritz said it would be-fast paced with plenty of special teams work, 7-on-7 work, 11-on-11 and scout-team preparation.

"It was good to get them out there and push through," Fritz said. "If they feel like that's what we need to do, that's what we'll do. I love going down there to the dome because we always get a great practice, but we had those three full days off, and I think the guys were smart about let's get acclimated back to the weather."

Although Tulane can't name players who are in coronavirus quarantine either fora positive test or contact tracing due to HIPPA regulations, I am going to assume the guys who missed their third consecutive practice today are in one of those two categories. Players who test positive are quarantined for 10 days unless a subsequent test reveals it was a false positive. Players who are identified by contact tracing are quarantined for 14 days, making anyone who was not at practice Thursday through Saturday unlikely to be cleared for the opener. Justin Ibieta, Cornelius Dyson, Will Wallace, Adonis Friloux and offensive linemen Stephen Lewerenz, Caleb Thomas, Nik Hogan and Michael Remondet are in that group. I am sure there are some others, but those are the ones I've noticed for sure. Tim Shafter has been practicing at center some each day since every center is out except for starter Sincere Haynesworth, but it won't affect the game unless Haynesworth gets hurt because he will play every snap.

Here is Fritz on the policy:

"If a guy tests positive, he's got 10 days, and if he's involved in contact tracing with a guy who tested positive, he's got 14 days, so they have to stay away. There's a really low possibility of false negative. That's about 99.9 percent certain when you test negative, you're negative, but there are some false positives. We're going above and beyond, especially right now when we've got time. We're making those guys test back in three times when that occurs, get three negatives in a row. We're waiting on. They call it an inconclusive test. We're adhering to the policies that our university, Doc Stewart has. So if a guy is positive, he's basically out 10 days. If he has contact trace to him, 14 days. That's just how we're doing it."

The other news on the offensive line continues to be Josh Remetich's surge. Nothing is set in stone, but it sure looks like he will start at right guard against South Alabama. Ben Knutson was not at practice today, but Remetich had been getting a majority of the reps with the first unit anyway. Corey Dublin is the only other true freshman lineman to start an opener at Tulane under Fritz, so it's a pair of local Catholic League products (Jesuit, Holy Cross) with the honor.

"He (Remetich) has done an excellent job," Fritz said. "He's very competitive. He's got excellent feet. He's got very good physicality. That's probably the part that he has acclimated to the quickest out of all the freshman linemen is being able to practice hard and physical. Sometimes that takes a year or two, and most of the time those guys are bigger and stronger than everybody else they played against in high school, but he certainly does a good job of playing physical and he has an opportunity to start a week from day. There's a lot of competition for that right guard, right tackle spot right now."

It's no secret Tulane's offensive line has struggled for years. Even though it has done some good things in the run game under Fritz, the reality is it has been a weakness despite gradual improvement. This line might be a different story.

"It's much closer," Fritz said. "We'll find out this year, but number one, they look the part. In the past we've had difficulties sizing up physically, strength, movement, height, length, all those different things, so I'm excited to see what these guys can do. We have some depth and are able to roll a bunch of guys in there. One of the things we talked about early in camp was rotating guys at all different positions because of the what-ifs with injuries and with the COVID policies we have to follow. We don't want it to be the first time a day before a game the guy's ever played left tackle, all he's been doing is right tackle. so we've been moving guys around. The coaches probably get sick of me saying it, but they are doing it, so it's good."

The first-team OL was the usual suspects again today. The second team was Matthew Lombardi, Jackson Fort, Tim Shafter, Cameron Jackel and Trey Tuggle from left to right, with Joseph Solomon getting some reps at second-team right guard, too. Rashad Green is the only other offensive lineman practicing because Colby Orgeron has been moved to defensive tackle, where the Wave is a little thin at the moment. Orgeron, a redshirt freshman who has gotten little traction as an offensive lineman, played defense for John Curtis but was not considered fast enough to play there in college. He worked with the second team today because Brandon Brown and Friloux are out and I believe Alfred Thomas is injured. De'Andre Williams, Jeffery Johnson, Eric Hicks, Orgeron and Davon Wright were it today.

The report continues below.

There was good news when I arrived at Tulane's practice this morning--they had a center, and it was Sincere Haynesworth.

A day after practicing without the only three centers on the roster while they awaited routine coronavirus test results, the Green Wave had its "Terminator" back, making for a much smoother workout. Other players who returned after getting their results were quarterback Michael Pratt, running back Cameron Carroll, linebacker Kevin Henry and defensive tackle Jeffery Johnson. Some guys were still missing, including Justin Ibieta, Cornelius Dyson, Will Wallace, Kiland Harrison and Caleb Thomas, but the squad was much closer to full strength than Thursday.

When Mykel Jones caught a deep ball in individual drills while in full stride, Will Hall yelled out "Roll Wave," The energy level was high today with the opener against South Alabama eight days away. Keon Howard, Pratt and Josh Holl got reps, with Howard completing a big pass over the middle to Jones against Ajani Kerr in 7-on-7 drills and Pratt throwing a gorgeous deep ball to Cameron Carroll against Ton'Quez Ball. That was one of the few mistakes I've seen Ball make in the preseason, but he made up for it later with spectacular diving interception attempt of a Holl throw in 11-on-11 work. The defensive players on the sideline insisted it was a good grab, but Fritz signaled that he trapped it. Either way, it was a heck of an effort.

The 11-on-11 was a two-minute drill that started with 1:51 left and one timeout, forcing the offense to try to drive 75 yards without getting stopped or time running out. Howard led a touchdown drive, with the big plays a pass to tight end Tyrick James and a fade to Jaetavian Toles in the back of the end zone when he beat Jaylon Monroe. The touchdown came with 34 seconds left, so it was an efficient drive. In between the big completions, Kyle Meyers blanketed Duece Watts on a fade. Games are different than practice, but Meyers provides the stickiest coverage in practice of any Tulane corner since Parry Nickerson.

Pratt got pulled on his drive, although that might have been planned ahead of time. He could not find anyone open on consecutive plays, eventually throwing the ball away on both of them before Hall yelled for Holl to go in. Holl completed a pass to Phat Watts, who has come on in the preseason, before the near interception by Ball. The final play was a high snap from Haynesworth that sailed off off Holl's outstretched hands. That was the first bad snap I've seen from Haynesworth, who played every snap in the 11-on-11 because his two backups remained unavailable.

The first-team offensive line was Joey Claybrook, Corey Dublin, Haynesworth, Josh Remetich and Jaylen Miller. I feel confident in calling that the starting five for the opener, meaning Remetich will be a rarer freshman opening-day starter, joining Dublin from three years ago.

The second-team offensive line was Tim Shafter, Jackson Fort, Haynesworth, Ben Knutson and Trey Tuggle. Stephen Lewerenz, Cameron Jackel, Nik Hogan and Michael Remondet were not out there.

The first-team defensive line was the usual suspects, with the second team Carlos Hatcher. Davon Wright, Eric Hicks and Darius Hodges.

When the running backs do individual drills, Amare Jones and Ygenio Booker spent part of their time practicing with the wide receivers. That slot position Hall created is sort of a hybrid runner/receiver role.

I will post quotes later tonight. I had Fritz to myself on the Zoom call. He did not say anything earth shattering.

Tulane returned to practice for the first time in four days this morning, but not everyone was there. Due to what Willie Fritz said were slow results from Wednesday's latest round of coronavirus tests, multiple players were not allowed to attend. The offensive line was particularly decimated, with Stephen Lewerenz, Sincere Haynesworth, Caleb Thomas, Cameron Jackel, Nik Hogan, Colby Orgeron and Michael Remondet all absent. For those keeping score, that's Tulane's No. 1 (Haynesworth), No. 2 (Thomas) and No. 3 centers (Remondet), so former walk-on Timothy Shafter spent time at center today. He was awarded a scholarship since the last practice along with wide receiver Thompson, and he spent time snapping to an assistant during the offensive line's individual drills to get some work. In the 11-on-11 drill at the end of practice, Corey Dublin got some reps. Dublin, of course, started at center all year as a sophomore after Junior Diaz transferred to FAU. Hopefully this was just a stopgap measure for one practice while they await test results. There was one dribbled snap (I believe by Shafter) that easily could have been a turnover in a game.

There was only one scholarship quarterback practicing today--Keon Howard. Justin Ibieta and Michael Pratt were not out there, and although Fritz shies away from giving names in coronavirus data, he implied very heavily that both freshman QBs missed the day because their test results had not come in rather than a positive result or a contact tracing issue. Howard, Drew Harris and Josh Holl took all the practice reps.

Other players who were not there included running back Cameron Carrroll, nose tackle Jeffery Johnson and linebacker Kevin Henry, although the defense appeared less affected than the offense, which was really hurting for bodies. At least all of the wide receivers were accounted for, with Jha'Quan Jackson practicing in a no-contact jersey and only participating in individual drills while Sorrell Brown continued to sit out. The first-team offensive line in the 11-on-11 drill was Joey Claybrook, Dublin, Shafter, Josh Remetich and Jaylen Miller from left to right. The second-team line was Matt Lombardi, Rashad Green, Jackson Fort, Ben Knutson and Trey Tuggle from left to right. Joseph Solomon was the only extra lineman.

The starting defense was Cameron Sample, De'Andre Williams, Eric Hicks and Patrick Johnson up front, a rotation of Marvin Moody, Dorian Williams and Nick Anderson at linebacker and all of the usual suspects in the secondary, with Willie Langham continuing to hold off Ajani Kerr at nickelback. Kerr got some reps with the first unit, though. The second-team defensive line was Carlos Hatcher, Davon Wright, Alfred Thomas and a player in a red jersey (presumably Angelo Anderson, but I'm not sure).

Fritz confirmed the reason they canceled Monday's practice was to allow players to address racial injustice. Fritz spoke passionately about the importance of addressing and rectifying the issue, bringing De'Andre Williams with him to his Zoom call and letting Williams talk about it. Keon Howard and Chase Kuerschen arrived later to talk about it, too, and they all emphasized how everyone had been forced to speak and address the idea of systemic racism in a team Zoom conference call on Monday. Williams was eloquent on the matter, and so was Fritz, who admitted he had never addressed stuff like this before because he was a humble man who preferred staying away from big issues but that it no longer would be the case.

One other thing from practice: Merek Glover is a weapon on kickoffs, particularly if the coverage is sound. He can kick off high to the goal line near the sideline with ease, prompting bold returners to try to run it out, which will allow Tulane to pin opponents well inside the 25-yard line.

Here are some excerpts from the Zoom call:

FRITZ

"I was going to start off talking about social injustice, the program we have at Tulane, and De'Andre Williams spearheads this for us. We call it the Wave of Change, and these guys have done a phenomenal job o bringing attention to a lot of the things that are going on right now in our society, the Black Lives movement. I am just really proud of the guys. We are getting ready to make a donation to United Way for the people out in western Louisiana, and then we're also going to make a donation to the Black Lives movement. The thing we're trying just to look at is the police brutality that's going on across the nation. We had a lot of dialogue with these guys. We took Monday off the other day and just had group conversations. This is for all our current and former players and the coaches that I have worked with, and it's just a really important event, so we've got all this stuff going on, getting ready for the first game, taking all these tough classes at Tulane, we're in the midst of a pandemic and these guys are also juggling the social justice, social injustice and just doing a tremendous job with it. I'm very proud of them. We are going to do this all the time. This isn't something that's going to happen in a day or two days or three days. It's just something that we're talking about every single day. We want to promote positive change. That's a huge deal for us. We know that if we stay positive and everybody comes together, particularly people like me--that's very, very important--we can promote positive change. I'm going to try to do a great job of being more vocal about it. That's something a little bit out of my wheelhouse. I'm a pretty humble person. I try to stay away from attention as much as I can, but I think it's important for all of us to be aware of it. (Fritz then turned the mic over to De'Andre Williams).

WILLIAMS

"I just want to give y'all a little bit about the vision of Wave of Change. Our vision is to bring awareness to as many people as possible about police brutality. As student-athletes we want to use our platform in a positive way to create change. There's a lot of things going on in our country that it's going to take people to be uncomfortable. It's going to take people to try their best to have sympathy for other people. That's very important in our vision as Wave of Change. We have a lot of things going on. The guys really work hard to bring awareness to everything. Coach Fritz and Tulane athletics are giving us power in our voices and are allowing to do everything that we feel is necessary to bring awareness to this situation. We've had meetings where we've had tough dialog where coaches and players opened up about things that they wouldn't normally open up about. We are actually making a tremendous effort to make a change in our small circle and hopefully that small circle can expand our country. If we bring the team aspect that we have and spread it to the world, the world will be a better place."

Fritz then said he should have had Williams go first instead of him.

"I have never walked in a lot of these guys' shoes and I'm just so proud of them that they are promoting positive change on our campus and in New Orleans. This is a group that we're going to have go on for as long as I'm here, I know that. Hopefully that's a long time."

I'll have a lot more later, but family duties are intruding. Tulane will practice again tomorrow, and hopefully almost all of the guys who missed practice today will be back. The schedule has a Saturday practice as well before they take off Sunday and get ready for a traditional game week.

Any news?

Just got word as I was leaving the house. Tomorrow is a scheduled off day, and although they may adjust the schedule, my guess is the next practice will be Wednesday.

The Orlando Sentinel (9/1/20) has reported that 10 UCF players have opted of playing the 2020 season, citing COVID-19 concerns, Is the season about to fold? One of Memphis' best players also did so.

Looking at the official site, we now have 42 players on the fall baseball roster thanks to the granting of the extra year from last spring. It includes 6 graduate students, 12 redshirt juniors, 8 redshirt sophomores, 4 redshirt freshmen, and 12 “true” freshmen. LHP Chris Holcombe and RHP Grant Segar are the only ones I note missing along with those previously recognized. Lots of returning pitchers but missing several important hitters (Haskins, Matthews, Artigues, Glancy, and Bedgood). A number of incoming freshmen and transfers are highly rated, so that should help make up for some of the departed bats. Hope so.


Roll Wave!!!

Fritz said it was an 87-play scrimmage with full tackling except for the quarterbacks at the Superdome. A few players got banged up but he said it was nothing serious and he plans to have a much shorter scrimmage either Thursday or Friday.

He said Macon Clark was back after spending two weeks in quarantine caused by contact tracing and nothing he had done wrong himself. Safety is the defense's lone thin spot, with walk-on Jonathan Mestayer getting reps with the second unit in Clark's absence, so his return is significant.

I will have more from Fritz later, but I did ask him about how the scholarship deal would work if this were a free year and everybody remained the class they were at the start of the season, as the NCAA announced earlier this week. He gave a thorough answer.

"That's one of the things they are trying to figure out. Obviously they are going to have to give us some kind of latitude for next year. What I'm concerned about is the year after that because that's when you start getting into problems. We've already committed to signing 25 guys. I know they are going to work with us on the numbers next year. I'm not sure about the year after. I think it's the right move without question. There is so much uncertainty right now. When the season gets over I'm going to sit down and talk to my seniors. Some of the guys will be graduating and may want to move on. Some of the guys are going to get drafted in my opinion, and we want what's best for them certainly. That was the big to me question mark going into the season. You start having guys opt out from other teams. I told our guys unless you know what's going on because I don't--I have no idea what's going on--let's just stay and see what happens, and that's what all our guys did. They waited to see what happened, and when that (decision not to count the year for eligibility purposes), that kind of reassured everybody that, hey, this is not going to hurt me one way or the other. I think it was a great move by the NCAA."

Thursday's practice at the Superdome was closed to reporters, and some of Willie Fritz's Zoom call was repetitive, but here were the two most interesting quotes.

I asked him if this was potentially his best defense at Tulane.

"We have pretty good depth every place. We have four linebackers we think are quality starters in the AAC. I really have great confidence in all four of those guys playing those two spots for us. We feel like we’ve got great depth in the secondary. Three corners for sure we feel like can play a high level of Division I football, and then there’s three or four safeties we feel really good about. Ajani Kerr has been a super addition for us. He can do it all. We’re playing him mostly at nickel right now but he could also play strong and free. Larry Brooks and Chase Kuerschen are almost coaches playing the strong safety and the free safety spot. Cornelius Dyson from Kentwood is going to be a big-time player. He’s got everything you’re looking for as far as his makeup, how seriously he takes practice and then he’s 6-1, 200 pounds and can fly. Sometimes when a guy goes from small classification football to Division I it takes a year or two but obviously he was very well coached and it’s also a credit to him. His dad was a great player and he’s been around it all his life. Kevaris Hall is going to play for us at corner."

Ed Daniels asked about his confidence in Michael Pratt if he had to play, and Fritz brought in Justin Ibieta, too. I don't think that race has been settled. Keon Howard will start, but all three QBs have gotten equal reps to this point in the preseason.

"I have a lot of confidence in Mike. He played high-level football in Florida and he was here in the spring with us. I’ve been very impressed with the progress that Justin Ibieta’s shown, too. The thing with Keon is he understands exactly what we’re doing, he has a lot of experience in the college game. But if we have to go to quarterback 2 or quarterback 3, we feel good about it because we’ve been rolling those guys a bunch. They’ve gotten a ton of reps. Right now we can afford to do it. When you start getting into game week, it’s difficult to get three guys a lot of reps. We’ll still get all three of them reps, but it will primarily be the second- and third-team guy getting reps."

Only three of the remaining practices before game week will be open to reporters. Tomorrow's scrimmage and Sunday's workout will be at the dome and closed. Monday's will be open. They will be off Tuesday, practice at Yulman on Wednesday and Thursday, off Friday and then go back to the dome the following Saturday and Sunday. But I already have seen a ton of practice time, with the lack of other media and sitting in the stands by myself instead of standing on the sideline with others talking to me has eliminated the distractions.

Ty Keyes has been downgraded to a 3 star.

This is a day late, but I had some personal business to take care of yesterday. Tulane had a light practice in helmets but not full pads at Yulman Stadium. Wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson returned for individual drills, and freshman safety Shi'Keem Laister and freshman linebacker Matthew Hightower were back after both missing time. Wideout Jacob Robertson did not practice along with Sorrell Brown, safety Chase Kuerschen, defensive end Angelo Anderson and defensive tackle Davon Wright. Safety Macon Clark, tight end Keitha Jones and linebacker KJ Vault were not in evidence, Running back Ygenio Booker practiced in a no-contact jersey. For the first time, quarterback Michael Pratt did not participate in 7 on 7 or team work, but he was out there and spent some time taking under-center snaps from Sincere Haynesworth to pass the time.

Instead of a regular 11-on-11 session at the end of practice, they had a two-minute drill, and the right side of the offensive line clearly remains an area that has not been settled. Cameron Jackel, who worked with the third team on Tuesday, was on the first unit at right tackle, with Josh Remetich working as the first-team right guard for the second consecutive day. Jaylen Miller was on the second unit at right tackle with Ben Knutson, joining LT Nik Hogan, left guard Stephen Lewerenz and center Caleb Thomas.

Keon Howard took the first series in the two-minute drill, with the possession starting at the 30. He completed a 16-yard pass to tight end Tyrick James for one first down, and when acing a fourth-and-10 after three consecutive incompletions, he hit Booker for a first down on nickelback Ajani Kerr. The yardage on the drive was not always accurate because Willie Fritz was creating specific situations, but it was pretty close. After Howard picked up a third first down on a keeper, The drive ended unsuccessfully. Willie Langham defended a fade to Duece Watts in the end zone on second-and-goal from the 7, and Howard scrambled with no timeouts left on the next play after finding no one open. The offense could not get the next play off before time ran out.

Justin Ibieta and the second-team offense had their turn next. After an offsides penalty on Carlos Hatcher, he completed four passes in a row, getting first downs on throws to Tyrek Presley, Phat Watts and Christian Daniels before hitting Stephon Huderson for a 29-yard touchdown over the middle. It figures that a day after I praised linebacker Dorian Williams for his excellent pass coverage, he was beaten badly on the play.

The defense was in its dime package for both possessions. The first unit had Cameron Sample and Patrick Johnson outside, De'Andre Williams in the middle, Marvin Moody and Kevin Henry at linebacker, Jaylon Monroe and Kyle Henry at cornerback, Kerr and Langham as slot defenders and Larry Brooks and Cornelius Ingram at safety. The second team had Hatcher and Noah Seiden (because of injuries) outside, Eric Hicks in the middle, Dorian Williams and Nick Anderson at linebacker, Kiland Harrison and Kevaris Hall at cornerback, Ton'Quez Ball and Rishi Rattan as slot defenders and Laister and Jonathan Mestayer at safety.

When I arrived, they were doing individual position work. The linebackers did drills in pairs, with Jesus Machado and walk-on Andrew Wilkes on the third team and Hightower and walk-on Hayden Beal on the fourth team. Howard, who has not been as accurate this week, missed Jackson on a roll out throw in the end zone.

They went to special teams work next, with Amare Jones, Tyjae Spears and Mykel Jones fielding punts. All of them muffed or bobbled one, but that was an outlier for Jones. I'm not sure about the ball security of the other two if they were forced into that role.

Howard and Ibieta alternated in 7 on 7. Cameron Carroll dropped a deep ball on the first play, and Howard overthrew a wide open Duece Watts on the next. Ibieta went in and threw a beautiful pass to Jaetavian Toles over the middle before throwing late over the middle on the next attempt and getting what he deserved, an interception from Dyson. On the next play, Harrison paid the price for breaking up a pass over the middle, getting shaken up in a big collision with another defender. He walked gingerly off the field but looked OK.

Howard threw wide of James on his next series, hit Jones inside on a late-breaking play and had Kerr break up a deep ball for Jones.

Ibieta's second series featured a completion to Keshon Williams where Willams juggled the ball with Dyson trying to cut in front of him before bringing it in.

Howard's final series had three straight incompletions, with the DBs providing tight coverage on all of them. I rarely see players getting open against Meyers and Monroe.

Ibieta's final series had a completion to Presley on the outside, but when he tried to hit Dane Ledford deep, Ball deflected it. The session ended with Ibieta overthrowing Keshon Williams.

With Kuershen not practicing, Kerr took his spot in the 7 on 7 work.

Tulane dealt with a little rain today in the middle of practice, and Willie Fritz wished it would have come earlier because he enjoyed having his players face the elements in a kicking drill. The shower did not last long, but Fritz said some of the players looked as if they thought practice would be halted, which is never the case unless lightning is in the area. The thing is, Tulane used to go indoors for practices when there was the threat of rain, and that option no longer is available for the most part.

Tyrek Presley, Ygenio Booker, Keshon Williams and Will Wallace all dropped passes while running routes during individual drills, although a couple of the throws were behind them a bit. Presley, who returned after missing several days with an injury, got tired in the steamy conditions near the end of individuals, taking his helmet off on the sideline before a coach told him to get back out there and work through it.

Angelo Anderson, Shi'Keem Laister, Davon Wright, Jha'Quan Jackson, Sorrell Brown, Reggie Brown and Noah Taliancich did not practice, but Alfred Thomas returned after missing some time in the preseason. None of the injuries other. than Reggie Brown's appear serious, but I will ask about Sorrell Brown now that he has missed several days in a row. He is moving around well and attentive during practice even though he cannot participate.

They had 24 reps in 7 on 7 passing drills, with the top three quarterbacks taking two at a time. It was not a banner day, as they combined to go 11 for 24. Keon Howard found Phat Watts running across the field on the first play, with Watts taking advantage of a mismatch against linebacker Jesus Machado. Howard then hit Tyjae Spears on a quick throw. In his next reps, Howard used Spears as a safety valve when he could not find anyone else open, then overthrew a receiver on the sideline. A little later, he hit Phat Watts on a quick inside route but had an interception one play later when he threw behind Jaetavian Toles in the middle of he field, and the ball deflected off Toles to safety Ton'Quez Ball, who continues to make plays. Howard's final reps had an incompletion that went off safety valve Stephon Huderson's hands and an overthrow of Toles on a deep post when he was not open.

Michael Pratt had four straight incomplete passes on his first two sets of reps, throwing low for a tightly covered Tyrick James, throwing to an empty spot when no one could open, throwing too far in front of Jacob Robertson and throwing behind Presley. He hit Duece Watts for his first completion on a nice throw over the middle, connected with Christian Daniels running across the middle, fired to James on a look-n and had a pass for Spears knocked down by Machado.

Justin Ibieta began with a completion to Ygenio Booker that he threw slightly behind him before Marvin Moody broke up a pass for Daniels. Next was a throw that landed short of Presley, a completion to Mykel Jones on a look-in, a quick hitter to Cameron Carroll, a completion to Keshon Williams inside, a pass that Daniels dropped and a a pass that Ryan Thompson dropped, ending the session.

The big play in 11-on-11 work was an interception by Dorian Williams in the middle of the field when it looked like Amare Jones was open behind him. I believe Dorian Williams is the best pass-defending linebacker of the Fritz era, and he made an outstanding drop and read to snag that one. Phat Watts, who had a good practice, used some gymnastics to stay on his feet after a Howard throw left his knee very close to the ground. Fritz praised the backup offensive line for opening up a big hole for Huderson near the end, but not a whole heck of a lot was significant during the short session. Toles, whom I praised for a strong practice yesterday, dropped a pass from Ibieta to end one series.

There were some changes on the offensive line today. The first unit in 11-on-11 had Josh Remetich at right guard instead of Ben Knutson, with the other four starters the same. The second unit had Timothy Shafter at LT, Stephen Lewerenz at LG, Caleb Thomas at C, Knutson at RG and Trey Tuggle at LT. The third unit was Nik Hogan at LT, Rashad Green at LG, Michael Remondet at C, Jackson Fort at RG and Cameron Jackel at RT.

The first-team D was the same as usual. The secon-team tackles were Brandon Brown and Adonis Friloux. The second-team ends were Carlos Hatcher and walk-on Noah Seiden, who is there due to all the minor injuries outside. Alfred Thomas, who played outside in the spring, practiced at tackle in his return from injury along with Eric Hicks.

This is from what I've observed and heard in preseason drills. Tulane has not released anything official and likely won't until the Tuesday before the opener against South Alabama.

QUARTERBACK

1) Keon Howard
2) Michael Pratt
3) Justin Ibieta

Comment: Howard is the clear starter. His performance in the first few games will determine if he can hold on to the job, but I've seen nothing to indicate he will not be the starter all year. The race is closer for the second spot, although Pratt's experience and higher competition level in high school should be the difference-maker for now.

RUNNING BACK

1) Tyjae Spears
2) Amare Jones
3) Cameron Carroll
4) Stephon Huderson

Comment: Spears is going to rush for 1,000 yards if he stays healthy. He's that good, even on a team with a ton of depth at his position. Jones will start at the slotback position but will be the feature back at times, too. Carroll has looked good in camp.

SLOTBACK

1) Amare Jones
2) Ygenio Booker

Comment: Jones will start either here or as an extra receiver in the opening game. He is too valuable to keep off the field even though Spears is the Wave's best running back. Booker, when healthy, is a dangerous receiver.

WIDE RECEIVER

1) Duece Watts, Jha'Quan Jackson and Mykel Jones
2) Sorrell Brown, Jacob Robertson and Phat Watts
3) Dane Ledford, Tyrek Presley and Jaetavian Toles

Comment: In my mind, the starters are clear cut. Watts has been very good in camp. Jackson is dangerous after the catch and runs good routes. Jones has not shown a whole lot when I'm watching, but the coaches love him and he has the ability. Toles is running with the third team but should move up based on his ability and experience. Ledford has made more plays than any of the other backups in practice, but he has to prove he can get open and make plays in games. Phat Watts has been inconsistent, but he is fast.

TIGHT END

1) Tyrick James
2) Will Wallace
3) Christian Daniels

Comment: James, who caught 19 passes a year ago, will be a significant factor, but I'm not sure how heavily the tight ends will be involved in the passing game. Wallace caught four passes a year ago. Daniels is intriguing because of his speed but needs to be more consistent.

LEFT TACKLE

1) Joey Claybrook
2) Nik Hogan
3) Michael Lombardi

Comment: Claybrook will play every meaningful snap. Timothy Shafter has spent some time as a backup on this side, too, but usually is on the right side. Lombardi has been at both tackle spots, too.

LEFT GUARD

1) Corey Dublin
2) Stephen Lewerenz
3) Rashad Green

Comment: Dublin will play every down. Lewerenz and Green are battling for the top backup spot.

CENTER

1) Sincere Haynesworth
2) Caleb Thomas
3) Michael Remondet

Comment: The gap between 1 and 2 is gargantuan, but it won't matter unless Haynesworth gets hurt.

RIGHT GUARD

1) Ben Knutson
2) Cameron Jackel
3) Josh Remetich

Comment: Knutson has been No. 1 almost every day, but Jackel, who ended spring as the first-team right tackle, is in the running after moving to guard recently. He is in his fourth year and Willie Fritz said in the spring of 2019 he saw him as a future starter. Green could get in the picture, too, moving from the left side.

RIGHT TACKLE

1) Jaylen Miller
2) Trey Tuggle
3) Timothy Shafter

Comment: Miller will start, but Tuggle is pushing him. The right side of the line figures to rotate early in the year to find out who plays best. Joseph Solomon has gotten reps at both tackle spots as a third teamer.

The NCAA granted immediate eligibility to transfers Jaylen Forbes and Kevin Cross, which Tulane desperately needed with the offseason loss of Teshaun Hightower (murder charge) and grad transfer Ryan Murphy (going pro overseas or somewhere).

Forbes, a 6-5, 4-star shooing guard and top-100 national recruit who did not do a whole lot at Alabama as a freshman, figures to step in as a starter in the backcourt along with point guard Jordan Walker and probably freshman Sion James, although R.J. McGee is a possibility.

Cross, a 6-8, 240-pound forward, gives Tulane much needed bulk. He was pretty good as a freshman for a bad Nebraska team, averaging 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 18.3 minutes while starting twice. He almost certainly will start in the front court along with Nobal Days.

This was a team that was a virtual lock for last place without those guys becoming eligible, having lost its three best players from a last-place team plus Kevin Zhang. Now there is some hope. Ron Hunter is a good coach and he has a good staff, so it will be interesting to see what Tulane looks like if there is a season.

Unless former Southern Miss leading scorer Gabe Watson or Vandy transfer Oton Jankovic become eligible immediately, too, which is doubtful, this team still lacks numbers. The only other scholarship players are Tylan Pope, Ibby Ali (whose health is in question), freshman Jadan Coleman, who needs some time to development, and big man Buay Koka, whose future was in question before the recent departures. That's a total of 10 players.

By the way, Hightower no longer is listed as even being on last year's roster, although his stats are still available on the stats page.

This is from what I've observed and heard in preseason drills. Tulane has not released anything official and likely won't until the Tuesday before the opener against South Alabama.

DEFENSIVE END

1) Cameron Sample
2) Carlos Hatcher

Comment: Sample has been outstanding in camp. He is primed for a huge year. Hatcher is a solid backup. Alfred Thomas has been hurt. He will be in the mix if healthy.

NOSE TACKLE

1) Jeffery Johnson
2) Eric Hicks
3) Brandon Brown

Comment: All three will play early at a position that requires rotation. This is a big year for Johnson, who dropped off last year due to injury after a fast start.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

1) De'Andre Williams
2) Adonis Friloux

Comment: Friloux has looked good in camp. Williams was Tulane's most productive lineman last year. Davon Wright has been hurt. He will be in the mix if healthy.

JOKER

1) Patrick Johnson
2) Angelo Anderson
3) Darius Hodges

Comment: Healthy now, Johnson is going to make a huge impact. Anderson and Hodges provide quality depth.

LINEBACKER

1) Kevin Henry and Marvin Moody
2) Nick Anderson and Dorian Williams
3) Jesus Machado and Matthew Hightower

Comment: The top four have a chance to be Tulane's best linebacker group in the Fritz era. They hav not proven it yet, but they have the ability. Dorian Williams's cover skills are ultra impressive, and he does not even start.

CORNERBACK

1) Kyle Meyers and Jaylon Monroe
2) Kiland Harrison and Kevaris Hall

Comment: Meyers and Harrison usually are on the left. Monroe and Hall usually are on the right. The starters have been very good and are clearly No. 1. Harrison and Hall are talented but unproven.

NICKELBACK

1) Willie Langham
2) Ajani Kerr

Comment: Langham and Kerr figure to split time. Both have looked pretty good in camp. Watch the versatile Kerr as a blitzer.

STRONG SAFETY

1) Larry Brooks
2) Shi'Leem Laisterr
3) Ton'Quez Ball

Comment: Brooks is headed for a big year. Ball has made a surprising amount of plays recently.

FREE SAFETY

1) Chase Kuerschen
2) Cornelius Dyson
3) Macon Clark

Comment: Kuerschen is an excellent tackler but not ideal as a last line of defense against big passes. Dyson is an all-around talent but unproven in games. Clark has not had a strong camp.

Note: I'm not sure about Dyson's and Laister's spots. They could be reversed at free and strong safety.