Multiple sources are spreading rumors like a raging prairie fire of myths that the Tech defense had the upper hand in the team’s initial scrimmage.  Upon first response, that sounds exciting to me.  However, duality seems to rear its ugly head here in some cases.

- Is Taylor Potts not the answer?  Too early to call in my book.  Dude has all the physical tools, so the mental hurdle is his only obstacle.  I’m willing to be patient as the risk/reward potential seems worth the opportunity cost. 

Stats:  17-31 for 166 yards with 1 TD and 1 Int. 

- Where was the running game?  It doesn’t matter to me right now.  The timing based nature of the passing game is a much better point of focus when breaking in a new QB.  Plus, there were a lot of rotations on the OL, which we’ll address later.  One should also note that stopping an inside running game of Leach’s nature will be a considerable strength for what is now a seasoned and veteran DL.

Stats:  Batch – 7 carries for 16 yards; Jeffers – 3 carries for 6 yards

- The OL gave up 12 sacks?  These were touch sacks, so consider them with a grain of salt and reduce the number to 5 or 6 game applicable takedowns.  However, we’re either much better on the DL than I gave us credit for, or much worse on the OL.  Moore is wisely using this time to find out who can play, while Brandon Carter sits out with injury.  The shuffle game disrupts continuity, but we’ll benefit down the road by seeing excactly what guys like Terry McDaniel, Lonnie Edwards and Deveric Gallington can and can’t do. 

- Regardless, where did those sacks come from?  This is the second most positive thing I gathered from the scrimmage reports.  At a minimum, you can consider these QB pressures.  We’re looking to replace 13 sacks on our roster, which in all likelihood will be impossible for one player.  Daniel Howard was credited with 3 in the mock game and I’ll assume those came from a variety of places in our 3-man front.  I see a 2 or 3 sack gain potential with more frequent employment of this package in 2009.  We need 8 more.  Brandon Sesay has been playing with his hair on fire this spring and took advantage of youth with 2 sacks from his tackle position.  I’ve never questioned his talent, and we got significantly better up front, if he can show up every snap.  We could see an additional 2 or 3 sacks coming from the inside were this scenario to play out.  So, we need about 6 or 7 out of the WDE position to cover for the Williams loss.  Which is where Rajon Henley fits in.   Credited with 2 touch sacks in this scrimmage, I would consider this an indication that he’s at least bringing marginal heat off the corner.  We need it about the same temperature as you would cook a brisket.  Like 275-300 for 3 1/2 hours.  My past indictments of Henley have never been about his ability to pressure the QB, but more how he gets Cleveland Steamered by double teams in the run game.  I actually think he looks hard to block in one-on-one situations against the pass, and to some extent, the run.  Decent first step.  Solid at maintaining outside leverage.  Good pad level and motor.  Just park him here.  He’s our best option and 6-8 sacks is not unreasonable for him.  I also like the move of Victor Hunter to DT and it appears from reports that he’ll be of service.

- What about the safeties?  We began early throwing additional bodies at the position with Jared Flannel, Andre McCorkle and Julius Howard.  Frank Mitchem is the leader of the pack, but I’ve read on occasions where the other three are making plays.  Could be an interesting battle.  The most positive news I’ve read to date is that we’ll be solid at Crackerback for the next 4 years with Cody Davis.  Carlos Mainord has never steered me wrong about a player to date and I tend to believe him when he has confidence in a kid.  I can’t remember Tech ever having bad safety play since he’s been around.  Things seem to be playing out about right at this point as every report I’ve read mentions Davis lighting someone up or picking off a pass.  At 6′2″, 205 lbs, I’m slowly beginning to confront my fears of Stephenville talent; and I should probably start judging him based on his own merits, not what Jason Bragg was supposed to be.  Davis will see a few balls pass by his face early, but physical presence, intuitive gambling and solid tackling will pay the dividends.  Sounds like we’ll live to fight another day here. 

- A Blake Collier sighting?  It’s no secret that Collier is one of the fastest players on the Tech roster.  He also plays OLB, where accusations of speed deficiency have been made in the past.  He’s getting a little ink, but his counterpart, Tyrone Sonier has been more impressive and led the scrimmage with 7 tackles (4 solo). 

- When will Sam Fehoko play?  I’m hearing whispers Fehoko could see some action at WLB were his coverage skills to continue improving.  Reports have him all over the place this spring, and at some point, making plays trumps whatever he lacks in a diagnostic capacity.  I really don’t see what he wouldn’t bring to the WLB position that Marlon Williams does, so these rumors intrigue me.

Would love to hear some open practice reports from those fortunate enough to attend practices or the scrimmage.