Charlie Partridge and the Owls started their first of two practices today under cloudy skies with humid temperatures behind the Tom Oxley Center. The Owls practiced for two hours as Partridge granted the media full access to the session. Here are our observations.

- Johnson continued to practice with the first team while Hankerson practiced with the second team. Look for this to remain the status quo as Fall Camp progresses. Both looked sharp although Johnson threw the day's only interception.

- The interception was recorded by Freedom Whitfield (pictured above 34). Whitfield missed the first day of Fall Camp but was active throughout the day. The coaching staff were mixing linebackers throughout the day as Whitfield saw action with the first and second team. With the linebacker unit in flux, expect Whitfield, Robert Relf and David Lozandie to continue to spit time with Andrae Kirk leading the unit.

- Lucky Whitehead and Cre'von Leblanc were working as punt returners. I would be shocked if Whitehead did not return punts in week 1 vs Nebraska.

- Speaking of Whitehead, on the first play of scrimmage he took a post route from Johnson, juked a defender and scored a touchdown. Whitehead will be an impact player for the Owls this year as he is a threat to score from any place on the field.

- Derek Moise made a nice one handed catch on the sideline and has had good chemistry with both Johnson and Hankerson throughout camp. With Dukes, Stoshak, Whitehead and Moise, the Wide Receiver core looks to be another strength for an already potent offense.

- Freshman CB Raekwon Williams was very impressive. Williams is a very physical corner and made an athletic pass breakup on a deep route to Dukes. Williams looks primed to see the field this year.

- Austin Bland update: Still working with the third team and gave up a sack to Winston Chastang while protecting Jeff Driskel's blind side. At this rate, don't expect him to see a ton of playing time this year.

- Dukes was very quiet today. D'Joun Smith was blanketing him throughout the day. Expect this to be a theme throughout the year as teams try to steer clear from Smith.

- Jeff Driskel looked sharp today hitting players in stride and making the correct check downs. I can already tell he is settling in and getting comfortable in the offense.

- Center Braden Lyons was very vocal today and even showed off his smile. He looks to be the leader of what is shaping out to be a good offensive line.

- Nick Internicola still has yet to be cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse but has gotten reps with the second and third team defense as a lineman. This seems to be a reaction to getting other guys reps who are able to play as he looks like he should at least be with the second team defense.

- Bryant Gross Armiento is no longer with the team.

- Their is talk about a possible tweak in the uniforms for the upcoming season so stay tuned. I would guess it would be something with the helmets but thats just a shot in the dark.

Cyrus said

- Center Braden Lyons was very vocal today and even showed off his smile. He looks to be the leader of what is shaping out to be a good offensive line.

Posted On: Aug 8th 2014, 1:15 PM #333103

Thank God!