 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Brian Nowicki The University of Toledo football program started fall practices yesterday in a sweltering heat. Today the Rockets fought threw raindrops in a morning practice. They are just a couple of practices into camp, but some of the players are already making an impact. "Jalen Parmele is really looking good so far," said Head Coach Tom Amstutz. "Keith Forestal is looking really good (at inside linebacker)." Coach Amstutz also mentioned that true freshman running backs Dontae Jones and Bruce Frieson are looking good so far. "We have some pretty charming freshman running backs that you may hear about before the year is over with. They (Jones and Frieson) are very good and have a lot of talent. Another player that has been impressive, both last spring and at the start of camp, is running back DaJuane Collins. "I feel real comfortable with the offense," said Collins. "Last year I sat back and watched the other guys play. I got a chance to get a little bigger, faster, and stronger." And the coaches have noticed. With the first game just a few weeks away, Collins is in a battle with Jalen Parmele and Richard Davis for the starting running back spot. No matter what happens, he will get a chance to play a lot. Coach Amstutz is really high on a lot of the true freshman. "This is an outstanding class, definitely the best class we have ever had," said Amstutz. Freshman Kicker Alex Steigerwald will battle junior Mike Krispinsky and walk-on Justin Guy for the kicking duties. As already said, running backs Dontae Jones and Bruce Frieson are really impressive and may play this fall. Freshman safety Barry Church will get his chance to win some playing time this fall. A ton of incoming linebackers and defensive lineman are going to get a serious look at playing this fall, as well as defensive back Desmond Marrow. With temperatures near 100 degrees for the first practice yesterday, the players' health becomes a concern. "It was a hot day yesterday", said Amstutz. "I think the players held up better than some of the coaches. We will keep working hard and just take that extra water break." Quick Notes: Junior running back Scooter McDougle is in summer school right now. Within a week or so his grades should be in and that will decide on whether or not he will be academically eligible to play this fall. Sophomore wide receiver Nick Moore suffered an ankle sprain in the next to last summer workout and is on crutches. Head Coach Tom Amstutz said he will be back in time for the opener against Iowa State on August 31st. Nick is now wearing his brother Lance Moore's #1 jersey. Last year Nick wore #82. Defensive lineman Lyndon Gayle and offensive lineman Kevin Hobbins are no longer on the team. They were redshirted as true freshman last season. Toledo plays three schools from BCS conferences in non-conference action this fall. "The schedule is very demanding and very tough," said Head Coach Tom Amstutz. "It's as hard of a non-conference schedule as we have ever had," Amstutz concluded. The Rockets play at Iowa State (Big 12) and at Pittsburgh (Big East) in non-conference action. They host Kansas (Big 12) and McNeese State (I-AA) in their other non-conference games. Have a question or comment for Brian? Email |