TSL Roundtable: What to Take Out of Spring Practice and the Spring Game

vt_fb_oline_2015_01.jpg

What are you looking to see out of spring practice and the spring game that will indicate progress?”

Upwind of uva: Let’s start with the defense, since that should be easier to get my arms around. Confidence in the starting front four is a given, but depth at DE is a question mark (thank you, Captain Obvious). So I’m looking for one or two defensive ends to solidify the 2-deep. Injuries to the starting ends will allow more reps for the backups this spring. If Wiles continues to feel good about the development of young guys like Keihn and Dooley, it puts us in a good position to avoid playing a true freshman in the fall. I’m also listening for news that Andrew Motuapuaka is making the right reads. Also, please give me a sign that we get more athletic at safety without losing toughness or intelligence.

Offensively? With apologies to James Carville “It’s the offensive line, stupid” – Year XIV. Well that’s not actually true because there are other areas we need to improve upon. So far I like what Chris Coleman has been saying about the starting offensive line. At a minimum we still have summer and fall to round out some depth. But I want to see the starting five linemen hold their own against the #1 defensive unit. I hope to hear that we’re not having to hold a tight end in to help the tackles. I want Malleck and Cline to re-emerge as threats in both the running and passing games, and Bucky to be more well-rounded as a blocker. I want to read that a reliable third receiver has been found, and that all the receivers have improved their blocking.

...