WKU Camp Notes 8/23

Camp Notes 8/23

Upon arrival at L.T. Smith Stadium the Hilltoppers were working on special team drills, focusing on kickoff coverage and blocking assignments. Backup kicker Monte Merrick was kicking field goals during drills as projected starter Casey Tinius was on the sideline still nursing his groin injury. Merrick's confidence seems to be building as camp moves forward and his reps increases, he was showing off some leg strength during kicks today but was still inaccurate at times.

During offensive and defensive situational drills there was an emphasis on the running game but the defense dominated the line of scrimmage the majority of the time. The offense was able to break off a hand full of big runs during the battle, but overall the defense won the war.

On the day when Kawaun Jakes was named the starting quarterback he was very shaky during 7 on 7 drills in the red zone toward the end of practice. Lots of passes were thrown over receiver's heads and some into the numbers of the secondary. Not a good day for the newly named starter.

A quarterback that was impressive during the same 7 on 7 drills was freshman Brandon Doughty who made some great reads and threw 4 touchdown passes. He showed great touch and accuracy on his throws as he carved up the defense. As I have posted before, Doughty has the best arm of the quarterbacks and if he takes this year to polish his game and study the offense next year will be a better quarterback competition.

Another player that has been impressive in practice of late is freshman tight end, Jim Murphree. Listed at 6'5" and 222 lbs. he is a great compliment to Jack Doyle. Murphree has a great set of hands and great instincts to get open during his route running. I look for him to be a solid player this year in dual tight end packages.

I will also give myself props for avoiding a parking ticket by campus authorities today. Go Tops!