With three weeks to go before the season opener, Jeff Monken said his Army football team is right where he expected them to be.
The players donned the full pads just a few days ago and Saturday was an opportunity for a first organized scrimmage on a warm August afternoon under nearly perfect skies.
The Black Knights utilized four quarterbacks over nearly two-and-a-half hours of simulated game conditions, though there was some restrictions on tackling players to the ground.
“Overall, we’ve got a ton of improvements to make at (quarterback) and every other position,’’ Monken said. “(I was) anticipating there was probably some missed assignments and some blunders and there were. Hopefully we will get those corrected by Monday and look a little better.’’
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Monken was most pleased with the run defense, with the younger players giving up the longer runs. Kanye Udoh and Hayden Reed ran well, and freshman Brennan Fisher busted off a 60-yard gain.
Freshman Ethan Washington – up from the prep school – showed some real promise, although Monken doesn’t believe he’s really in the quarterback mix just yet. He completed a nice pass on a wheel route but he threw behind a couple receivers and threw one interception to Larry Pickett Jr. on a forced play that Monken said he should have thrown away or tucked it for a run.
Army freshman quarterback Ethan Washington looks for a receiver during Saturday’s football scrimmage at Michie Stadium. ARMY ATHLETICS
“Ethan has a lot of ability,’’ Monken said. “The game will slow down for him as he gains a better understanding of the offense. … I’m anxious to watch him grow and develop.’’
As for the freshman safety Pickett, Monken said he’s “very excited’’ about him.
“Larry’s very…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/talent-emerges-first-army-football-035545136.html
Author : Times Herald-Record
Publish date : 2024-08-11 03:55:45
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