Spring Practice Day 2 -- Fans Watch Gwacham
March 30, 2011
By Anthony Casson
For osubeavers.com
The quarterback lineup on the second day of spring football had a hint of normalcy with the return, albeit a limited one, of junior Ryan Katz.
Head coach Mike Riley said he hopes to get three solid weeks out of his starting passer, who is recovering quickly from a right wrist injury suffered in December. All eyes along the sideline were on Katz, including those of former running back Yvenson Bernard and a few visiting NFL scouts. Through the first half of practice, Katz stepped in for a few short passes.
"It was great to have the OK to get going on some of the stuff," Riley said of Katz. "That's a good sign.
Sophomore Cody Vaz continued to take a majority of the first-team snaps. Freshman Sean Mannion has started to separate himself with sophomore Jack Lomax and doesn't look far from the performance of Vaz. The Beaver defense, however, didn't let their quarterbacks' passing statistics go unscathed.
The Beavers in black shirts yelled and cheered throughout most of the day as the linebackers and defensive backs feasted on five interceptions. While the passing offense continues to shake off winter dust, the defensive backfield is headed for detailing.
Of the five pass robbers was senior linebacker Cameron Collins. His interception of a Vaz throw was the second of the first two days of practice. And as if he wasn't already an intimidating physical being, Collins has bulked up to a muscle-guarded 244 lbs--he's by no means hard to miss.
Collins said he wanted to work on bulking up during the off-season to be of better use to the rushing defense. His only concern was losing speed. But to Beaver fans' delight, he looks just as quick and athletic as ever. But Collins isn't alone amongst returners to have increased their physical presence.
At 6-feet 5-inches tall and 222 lbs, redshirt freshman wide receiver Obum Gwacham doesn't run, he gallops. The best part is he has made large gains in his ability to run routes and get low, and his added leaping ability has jaw-dropping effects on fans.
"He's much more comfortable," Riley said. "I think this should be a really good spring for him. He's pretty fun, and he's such a conscientious, hardworking kid. I really believe he'll take advantage of his ability and become a good player."
Friday's practice will be the third and final no-pads session of the spring. The team is expected to have three "scrums" prior to the spring game, all tentatively scheduled for Fridays starting next week.
Note
- Stephen Paea will work out for NFL scouts Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Truax Indoor Center.
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