Spring Practice #10 — Offense and defense worked separately during the viewing period today

Tuesdays viewing period got under way with the offensive coming together and working on screen plays to tight ends and running backs. A couple of times, offensive line coach Butch Barry was not pleased with the effort being put forward by his unit and let them know about it.

Here is a video of the offense and Barry, who wasn't happy with redshirt freshman Cleveland Reed:

The offensive staff also seems to believe in Tate Martell’s ability to use his legs. He was the only quarterback that I saw have a run play designed for him with this QB draw.

They broke into groups soon after and receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield put his pass catchers through a drill that a couple of the receivers struggled with. They were designed to emphasize the ability to block, then break off into their route, make cuts on a dime, and finishing with a catch.

Jeremiah Payton, Dee Wiggins, Evidence Njoku, and Jeff Thomas were among those that were stopped at some point to re-run the drill. Here is Mark Pope running through it:

When the receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks got together, we got another taste of what the offense is going to look like. One specific play that stood out to me featured tight ends Will Mallory and Michael Irvin II lined up on the left side of the ball, along with K.J. Osborn. Both tight ends were motioned to the right side and came set while Osborn came on a fake end-around as the ball was snapped.

The play resulted in Tate Martell throwing a perfect ball to Irvin II on what might have been the best looking ball I have seen from him this spring.

Otherwise, you can guarantee motion on about 90% of plays and so many two tight end sets. I know I have said it before, every practice it seems, but expect Brevin Jordan and Mallory to be regularly targeted in this offense.

We already got a taste of that with Mallory as he caught two touchdowns, including a 50+ yarder from Jarren Williams during Saturdays scrimmage.

On the quarterbacks end, Jarren Williams and N’Kosi Perry are still out ahead in the rotation and they both performed well today. Martell flashed but also missed high, low, and behind receivers today. I see his progression from the first couple of weeks, but there is still a lot of room for him to grow and get better.

— Brevin Jordan continues to be sidelined, as does Amari Carter. OL Corey Gaynor was also missing from practice today.