The Flames are wrapping up their 2nd week of training camp with 10 practices completed out of 23 total training camp practices. Here’s an update on how things are going:
Team is focusing on situational football
Coach Gill says the team has been focusing on situational football in practice this week. “A lot of situational football, 3rd & long, 3rd & extra long, went to the 4 minute & backed up and 2 minute drill. A lot of different situations just to see where we’re at offensively and defensively and get some teachable moments, we definitely had some of those.”
Gill says he hopes the team will be able to improve in a lot of these situations from the 2016 season, particularly 3rd down and goal line offense and defense.
Redshirt decisions to be made soon
The team will have their second scrimmage of camp on Saturday, and the scrimmage will play a big part in who’s going to redshirt or not.
“We’re going to have those conversations next week,” Gill said of redshirting players. “If those guys are ready to play, then they’re going to play.”
It doesn’t sound like anybody will be a surprise redshirt as the team prepares for its move to FBS. “We’re going to play our guys that we feel are going to help us win football games. We’re all full ahead. We still have some time (to make those decisions), a week or two, where something may come up, but we’re moving forward.”
Gill highlighted the play of true freshman tight end Fidel Ogbeifun
As we mentioned in our position preview of the tight ends, at least one true freshman tight end (Fidel Ogbeifun and Jerome Jackson) will play this year and maybe both of them. Ogbeifun has made an early impression.
“Fidel Ogbeifun, he has definitely shown promise,” Gill said. “I think he’s come along in a good steady way, improving in every aspect. He’s still thinking a little bit, not totally reacting, and that’s just part of having a whole lot of plays that are put in. We want to stress him a little bit, see what he can handle and what he can’t handle because he is a guy that we’re going to move forward and probably is going to play this year.”
McGinty dealing with a minor injury
Linebacker and captain Solomon McGinty is dealing with a minor injury. Gill says he’s currently participating in the 7 on 7 drills, but he’s not a full go. Gill’s hopeful that Solomon will be released next week to be a full go.
Gill texted Woodrum after his NFL debut
Liberty alum Josh Woodrum made his NFL debut Thursday night in a preseason game. Woodrum, who was signed by the Ravens less than two weeks ago, took the lion’s share of snaps in the 2nd half as Baltimore faced off against the Redskins. Woodrum finished the game 4/4 passing for 85 yards and a touchdown. He added 5 rushes for 15 yards including a long of 13.
Coach Gill said he texted his former signal caller a word of encouragement after the game. “I did text him last night and congratulated him. Gave him some confidence, and just said stay focused and I see that you can probably make this football team.”
