ANY word on how fan day went today??

[TrueblueCATfan]

anybody make it up there..how did things go today???

[BigBlue75]

TBCF, I was able to make it there today. I don't know that it was one of the bigger crowds, to be honest with you. It was such a nice day I'm sure a lot of people were out and about doing other things, but who really knows. They introduced the team in groups by position as usual. Coach Brooks spoke to the crowd. It was pretty much the usual fan-day atmosphere. I wasn't able to make the one last year and a couple of things I picked up on was the fact that we had more players at each position (Thank goodness) and the overall size of the players has increased significantly. Like everyone else, I went down on the field and got some autographs. I had wanted Rafael Little's, but the line for the running backs was backed up clear to the entrance tunnels so I knew that was out, given the short amount of time we had to get around to each group. I did, however, get in the linebackers line and I have to say that if first impressions mean anything, Micah Johnson is going to be something special. Not only is he built rock solid, one thing I picked up on is he was a very well spoken and respectful young man. Every sentence was punctuated with "sir" or "ma'am", which I was very impressed with. Wesley Woodard also got my eye. He has really beefed up. I can't wait to see him on the field smashin' some heads.

It was good to see Dencat, WildcatRick and his boys, jdb1074, poodoo and her husband, and Cathynky, who also brought a friend with her whose son is one of the team managers. The WCN was well represented, as always. Wish you could have been with us. (Hint, Hint...;))

To sum it all up, while I know fan days are supposed to be positive by design, there seems to be a definite air of confidence within this team that I haven't sensed in a long while. As ready for football season as I was before, I'm even more ready now.

[CHRVDM]

I feel certain that RV will give a detailed summary soon. It's just his nature. BTW, he'll be spot on too!!!!!!!!!! He is a keen observer.:cool:



There will be lots of praise about our young cats following this great day. Bigger, stronger, faster, look like SEC players, bowls, etc...

All of this praise has been earned by our players and our staff:thumbup. It's all true, we will be much, much (2 muches)better this season...... however, let us not forget that we are going to be a very young team and that we will be playing potentially 5 or 6 top twenty teams.

I say this because we are going to be much, much, much (3 muches)better next year. If you thought you saw impressive guns today, just wait till next year:shock::shock:.

Make no mistake this team is light years ahead of last year, and it doesn't look like much dead weight even on the 3rd string, however if we lose a few games to some of our opponents with world class athletes please don't call forour coachesheads, let them finish the job. They can and they will :ggrin:.

[UKGrad87]

I thoroughly enjoyed the event today, and found the players and coaches to be most approachable. Andre and TD stood out as being exceptionally friendly.

One concern: Tony Dixon limped off the field, and I'm not sure whether or not he returned. He seemed ok at first, the hobbled to the bench. Does anyone have word on this?

Oops: My apology to Will Fidler, if you are reading this, for calling you "Jay." I knew the mistake immediately, but just choked in the clutch.

I really didn't see where either Andre or Curtis distinguished himself above the other. Andre is deadly when given time, but that sure was a nice 60-yard run by Pulley. Andre sputtered early, then started to move the first team. Man, he throws a pretty ball and his pocket presence and footwork are vastly improved.

Punting game (gulp). Masthay's first was a shank. Kessler got off a nice one, then had his next blocked. This tops my list of concerns.

Those who impressed me: Jamil Paris has some speed, Ashton Cobb made some nice plays, Dominic Lewis, Johnny Williams is running 1st string LB and looks stronger than last year, Ventrell Jenkins. Paul Warford will be good, has great closing speed. I think Trevard Lindley has closed down a starting CB spot. WR will NOT be a weakness this year. Burton and Ford are 1s, but Logan and Lyons surprised me today. McClinton was popping some people, although one was Rafael out of bounds (or close to it). I enjoyed watching Sam Maxwell hustle today. Whoever said Myron Pryor looks like DeWayne Robertson was spot on.

There is much more, but this is all I can remember.

Al

[TrueblueCATfan]

BigBlue75 wrote: TBCF, I was able to make it there today. I don't know that it was one of the bigger crowds, to be honest with you. It was such a nice day I'm sure a lot of people were out and about doing other things, but who really knows. They introduced the team in groups by position as usual. Coach Brooks spoke to the crowd. It was pretty much the usual fan-day atmosphere. I wasn't able to make the one last year and a couple of things I picked up on was the fact that we had more players at each position (Thank goodness) and the overall size of the players has increased significantly. Like everyone else, I went down on the field and got some autographs. I had wanted Rafael Little's, but the line for the running backs was backed up clear to the entrance tunnels so I knew that was out, given the short amount of time we had to get around to each group. I did, however, get in the linebackers line and I have to say that if first impressions mean anything, Micah Johnson is going to be something special. Not only is he built rock solid, one thing I picked up on is he was a very well spoken and respectful young man. Every sentence was punctuated with "sir" or "ma'am", which I was very impressed with. Wesley Woodard also got my eye. He has really beefed up. I can't wait to see him on the field smashin' some heads.

It was good to see Dencat, WildcatRick and his boys, jdb1074, poodoo and her husband, and Cathynky, who also brought a friend with her whose son is one of the team managers. The WCN was well represented, as always. Wish you could have been with us. (Hint, Hint...;) )

To sum it all up, while I know fan days are supposed to be positive by design, there seems to be a definite air of confidence within this team that I haven't sensed in a long while. As ready for football season as I was before, I'm even more ready now.

BB75...thanks for the nice report...it was a nice day today...was inside watching volleyball all day..I would have loved to have made it up there

[B-Dam Cat]

It was a nice day to bad more didn't make it. I was also in long line's for autographs but I did manage to get the running backs, receivers, middle linebackers, and Joker on my football. I guess I'm gonna have to have a kid, and give them the football to run to the front and get it signed like most of the other father's were. But Micah was very friendly and John Logan was the only one that "offered" to shake hands. All in all it was a great day. Oh yeah Micah is SCARY big. I could not imagine playing high school football last year tryingto tackle him.

[UKGrad87]

I forgot to mention that Jacob Tamme was very nice.

[Caveman Catfan]

UKGrad87 wrote: I forgot to mention that Jacob Tamme was very nice.
How did the other TEs look?

[UKGrad87]

Caveman Catfan wrote: UKGrad87 wrote: I forgot to mention that Jacob Tamme was very nice.
How did the other TEs look?

Actually, I meant he was friendly during the autograph session. In regard to the scrimmage, Tamme showed why he is 2nd team all-SEC. The other TEs didn't show much, I didn't think. TC Drake dropped a pass (I think it hit him in the face mask), and all seemed a little uncertain in the offense. I don't know enough to evaluate blocking. I will say this, they are some nice physical specimen.

[poodoo]

It was GREAT, TrueblueCATfan (although it would have been even greater if you had been there). :)

I've shared some of my thoughts on other threads. As someone else said, hopefully RV will give us a good summary of the scrimmage. Mr. Poodoo and I stayed to the very last snap. I enjoyed every moment of it.

Since DeMoreo Ford was so kind to come to our site and express thanks for our support, I want to mention him here and say "thanks" to him. He looked good out on the field and made a particularly nice catch late in the scrimmage. Also, though, I wanted to share that when I introduced myself to him, he gave me such a nice hug. What a fine young gentleman DeMoreo is, besides an impressive player on the field. :)

[EricBigNally]

The impression I got from the scrimmage was that the defense is improved in terms of speed and pursuit and in terms of strength and physique. I think the deepest position will be on the defensive line. There seemed to be quite a bit of playesr that can compete at some level and offer a lot of competition between some of them for years to come. The defense seemed to be deeper to me than the offense because the third team defense seemed pretty rough with the third team offense. Though there were certain offensive players that seemed to be able to handle it. I'm just going more broad and big picture as opposed to be able to narrow down to each person individually because honestly I don't know exactly who ALL was out on the field at all times. I enjoyed the show and picked up what I could. LBers looked pretty good to me going good with the defensive line. Secondary may have been a bit shaky at points and looked good at points. Honestly, I don't remember who were the shaky ones and who weren't so I won't even speculate in fairness because I will most likely make a mistake.

Offensively, I was impressed with the WRs. They were my fear coming into this season. It seemed that there could be some solid options this year to go to. Amongst the leaders (but definately not limited too) are that of Burton and Ford. They exhibited some excellent wheels and athletic abilites. There was a freshman or twe that impressed me but I don't remember who it was (someone will shout in I'm sure). The line held together well I thought overall. Three will be some solid starting competition there and some solid relievers. Tony Dixon impressed me. I was leary of maybe what his mentalitly would be coming off his injury. I think I read that Little was hampered with an injury though I'm not certain as to what it was (memory lapse). Jacob Tamme looks to be an excellent tight end and he could post some big numbers for them this season. It is hard to say which QB is going to be the starter. Ultimately, I feel there will be quite a few snaps taken by both of them. Pulley has improved his passing with some that were very nice looking. I was very pleased to see that. Woodson, while throwing is still a strong point for him, showed some improved footwork. He dodged some sacks and threw on the run (though a few of the throwing on the runs didn't pan out very well...) he is looking more mobile and more athletic. I can understand why there are issues as to which QB is going to start this season.

Punting was a bit scary as were some of the FG attempts.

Overall, effort and intesity seemed good. Athleticism, strength and speed were impressive to me. They are definately better than last season. A gruling schedule will be difficult but the upside potential is amazing IMO. Next season may be the big one.

[CATHYnKY]

poodoo wrote: It was GREAT, TrueblueCATfan (although it would have been even greater if you had been there). :)

I've shared some of my thoughts on other threads. As someone else said, hopefully RV will give us a good summary of the scrimmage. Mr. Poodoo and I stayed to the very last snap. I enjoyed every moment of it.

Since DeMoreo Ford was so kind to come to our site and express thanks for our support, I want to mention him here and say "thanks" to him. He looked good out on the field and made a particularly nice catch late in the scrimmage. Also, though, I wanted to share that when I introduced myself to him, he gave me such a nice hug. What a fine young gentleman DeMoreo is, besides an impressive player on the field. :)


Poodoo. I stood in line to get his autograph on some wrist bands for my grandsons. When I got to him the buzzer went off signaling the end of the autograph session. He smiled and said don't worry about it and signed them anyway. A nice young man. Not a bad receiver either.

Great to see you yesterday. Looking forward to seeing you and Mike this fall.

[poodoo]

Same feelings here, Cathy. God-willing, we'll see you September the 9th! :)