The CFB Degenerate's Newsletter: Spring Game Recaps (Part Seven)
Recap of spring games from April 26.
Early spring is the time for vigorous change, a preparation for the heat-driven oppression that is to come.
- Henry Rollins, musician
Pigs, gather in. Today’s article is a recap of the spring games taking place on April 26. For the previous recaps of games, follow this link.
This article covers: Arizona, Arizona State, Louisiana Tech, Maryland, Nebraska, UMass, West Virginia, Buffalo, NIU, TCU, Troy, Akron, Colorado, Fresno, Rutgers, Oregon, SJSU, UCLA, Washington State, Louisiana, and Washington.
If you don’t want to miss any spring game updates, I recommend joining the pigpen 👇👇👇
ARIZONA
AU’s spring game was not a conventional spring contest, instead resorting to 7v7 exercises. The only relevant detail I saw was the 50 yard TD from Fifita to Riley.
The spring game format wasn't necessarily what most people wanted, but it's what had to happen. Arizona is down 15 scholarships or so and with about 10 more guys injured, there just isn't any way to run a two team format. Plus, there's no reason to put any of these guys at risk after a physical spring camp.
* The first play of 7-on-7 was a deep ball from Noah Fifita to Malachi Riley that went for a 50-yard touchdown. Riley has put together a nice camp and been one of the better deep threats throughout, so it's not a surprise to see him come up with a big catch on Saturday. There's a real chance that Riley starts the first game of the season.
Note. WR T. McMillan sat out of the game.
ARIZONA STATE
The two offensive teams were:
Maroon offense: Trenton Bourguet / Navi Bruzon (quarterback)
Raleek Brown / Kyson Brown (running back)
Jake Smith (wide receiver), Derek Eusebio / Korbin Hendrix (wide receiver), Melquan Stovall (wide receiver)
Cameron Harpole (tight end),
Gold offense: Sam Leavitt (quarterback)
Cameron Skattebo / George Hart III (running back)
Max Ware (wide receiver), Jordyn Tyson (wide receiver), Kaleb Black / Coben Bourguet (wide receiver)
Markeston Douglas (tight end)
QB competition:
ASU offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo offered a ringing endorsement of Sam Leavitt, the frontrunner to start at quarterback among the spring rostered players in the program's debut Big 12 season following the transfer of former four-star signee Jaden Rashada to Georgia.
"Candidly, I mean, he came in and took the job," Arroyo said.
"We had Jaden — whoever else it was, it didn't matter — but Jaden hadn't had much practice. He was hurt, came in, and Sam really was still carrying the flag. I think that that part of the competition was a foregone conclusion in some way. But I think [Leavitt] did an awesome job, man. He's a great leader. He's got a lot of football ahead of him, which is exciting for us as Sun Devils because he's got a lot of football (ahead of him) and he's young. And the way his chemistry will keep growing throughout the summer with these guys is going to be awesome."
LOUISIANA TECH
Highlights from the game:
The White Team would find the end zone on their second drive, led by quarterback Jack Turner who hit Dedrick Latulas for a 27-yard gain. Following a run of 30+ yards on the ground by Donerio Davenport, Turner connected with Nate Jones who broke a tackle in space and crossed the goal line for the first score of the day.
The Blue Team responded with a scoring drive of their own, started by some trickery with a 25-yard pass to Marlion Jackson by a fellow wide receiver. Jacall Wynder broke tackles for a 30-yard rush, setting up a short field goal by Buck Buchanan to put Blue on the scoreboard.
The defense continued to make stops with several sacks and run-stuffing plays. That was until the Blue Team pulled ahead led by Ty Keyes. The quarterback made a pair of first-down throws and scrambled for a 13-yard gain before finding Omiri Wiggins who outraced the defense for a 23-yard touchdown.
MARYLAND
QB competition:
The quarterback situation continues to attract all eyeballs. MJ Morris is making strides in the race and had the best day of the three quarterbacks. Cam Edge has impressed this spring, but it wasn't his best day. Questions persist around whether Billy Edwards is an accurate enough passer to run the show.
Stock up for Morris, who was named MVP after completing 6 of 8 passes for 65 yards.
Edwards was 6-of-14 for 36 yards, while Edge threw for 151 yards on 11-of-25 passing.
Locksley also likes Champ Long, who's had some good moments ( 5-of-12 for 63 yards) but is probably more of a longterm guy.
RB:
If you've been reading along here, you know redshirt freshman running back Nolan Ray has been generating hype since last season despite having a total of three career carries.
Give credit to former offensive coordinator Dan Enos for sticking with Ray through an injury that cost him his senior year of high school in Detroit and caused Iowa, Stanford and others to back off.
Perhaps the fastest player on the roster added to that buzz with an impressive showing at the spring game. I won't be surprised if he pushes entrenched starter Roman Hemby this fall.
"Nolan Ray is 'him.' He's fast, he has that one-cut-and-go ability, he's strong. He can make people miss," a source said.
Regardless of who the No. 1 back is, though, it looks like Maryland has a good 1-2 punch, with veteran Colby McDonald providing help, coming off a strong season last year. Ray rushed for 96 yards, including a 49-yard sprint.
NEBRASKA
QB:
Dylan Raiola produced the biggest numbers by completing 16-of-22 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon. He added a completion on a go-ahead two-point conversion that gave the White team a 22-21 lead midway through the third quarter. Raiola completed passes to 14 different receivers on the day, while playing quarterback for both teams on a rotating basis with Heinrich Haarberg and Daniel Kaelin throughout the first three quarters.
Haarberg was also impressive, completing 8-of-13 passes for 163 yards and two more touchdowns. Haarberg did not throw an interception and added a 17-yard run.
Kaelin showed well in his first spring game, completing 9-of-16 passes for 91 yards.
So, that Raiola kid is pretty good.
What was your favorite Dylan Raiola moment? Going 4-4 on his first drive as a Husker? That gorgeous touchdown to Bonner? The effortless deep ball to Lloyd? The physics-defying throw on a two-point conversion?For me, it was watching him pre-snap. He did not look like a true freshman. He looked mature, comfortable, and confident. Yeah, there are asterisks a plenty, but it was hard to not be impressed by what you saw.
If this is what all five-star recruits look like, Nebraska should get some more.
New quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas looks like a keeper.
Remember the 2023 version of Heinrich Haarberg? Great runner with a strong arm, but the accuracy left a little to be desired. While we'll pause to note that one spring scrimmage is a very small sample size, Haarberg was a combined 8-of-13 passing for 163 yards. I wonder how much of that is due to his new position coach.More importantly, Haarberg showed improved touch on short throws. Did anybody bet that he would be the only one of the three QBs to NOT throw an interception?
Daniel Kaelin - another true freshman - looked good as well. From what I saw, he'll enter the fall as Plan C. But I'd feel more comfortable with him playing than any other Plan C in recent memory. And I feel his development is in good hands.
RB:
Emmitt Johnson provided strong contributions on the ground on the Red team's first drive with three carries for 18 yards on the successful march. Johnson finished the day with five carries for 25 yards. He added two receptions for 12 yards.
Kaelin completed two passes on a 16-yard drive that culminated with a one-yard touchdown run by Dante Dowdell that tied the score for the White at 14 early in the second quarter. It was the first of two rushing touchdowns on the day for Dowdell, who led all rushers with 76 yards on seven carries.
WR:
Jaylen Lloyd led all receivers with 97 yards on his three receptions for the day, while Isaiah Neyor added a pair of catches for 26 yards.
Raiola got things going on the second possession, marching the Red team 76 yards on eight plays that culminated with a 16-yard touchdown strike to Janiran Bonner to give the Red team a 7-0 lead just five minutes into the game.
Raiola also completed passes to Thomas Fidone, Jaylen Lloyd and Nate Boerkircher on the drive to go 4-for-4 for 40 yards on the possession. Bonner finished with game-high-tying four receptions for 58 yards, while Boerkircher added three catches for 65 yards.
TE Janiran Bonner:
Remember, Janiran Bonner was the guy who got the first carry in the 2023 Spring Game from the fullback position as a tribute to Frank Solich.
This year his first touch of the football in the game was catching a pass in the touchdown as a wide receiver. And he was working with the top group of receivers on Saturday too, alongside Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor.
"I think he's an NFL fullback. But I also think he's a dynamic wideout too," Rhule said. "I think it's a credit to Corey (Campbell), the way that Janiran has really improved his body. But he's in that 218 range. So to me he is a true weapon. He's a guy that we could conceivably play at wideout for 10 plays in a row or we could motion in and he'll block defensive ends. He carried the football for us last year."
UMASS
QB:
Taisun Phommachanh, the Minutemen’s 2023 starting quarterback, didn’t compete in the festivities, leaving a chance for the rest of the quarterback room to get more run. Coach Brown did mention that the redshirt senior could’ve suited up, but the team chose to let him rest after working through a long-term injury in his first season in the maroon and white.
Ahmad Haston suited up with the first unit at quarterback, and showed flashes along with some inconsistencies. The redshirt freshman was especially efficient on the ground, taking a read option roughly 45 yards for a touchdown early in the day.
Haston made three appearances in 2023, and showed more comfort in the pocket and behind the line of scrimmage in the spring game. One of his throws was perfectly layered over a group of linebackers and fell right into a receiver’s hands. He did spike a few throws low in the turf and threw one ball over the middle that was almost picked off, but his big play ability and growing confidence are positive signs for the coaching staff.
Ryan Jankowski was the next man to get under center, and the redshirt junior struggled to avoid pressure and get rid of the ball quickly at times. The Akron transfer also underthrew a couple of open targets, but did spruce in some good throws over the middle and showed slight mobility with the ball in his hands.
AJ Hairston had a solid day, making a few plays that would make you forget he’s a true freshman. In 7-on-7’s, Hairston threw a beautiful back-shoulder ball to Shane Robles, who made a phenomenal catch by the back left pylon. Hairston worked the pocket on three different third downs for big plays, changing his arm angle to get the ball around a defender.
Who replaces RB Kay’Ron Adams?
Tulsa transfer Cookie Desiderio received almost all of the team’s action in the backfield due to a banged-up running back room. The redshirt freshman showed some flashes throughout his high usage, but for the most part was held in check. He did play all three downs, showcasing his pass-catching ability, while also breaking a couple of tackles on some shifty moves.
WEST VIRGINIA
QB:
The two touchdowns today were scored by Hudson Clement, a 7-yard pass from Nicco Marchiol, and by Preston Fox, an 11-yarder from Jackson Crist.
Garrett Greene completed 8 of his 13 attempts for 79 yards.
Nico Marchiol was 10-of-19 for 82 yards.
“Today Garrett was OK, not great, not bad,” Head coach Neal Brown said.
RB:
Jaheim White had 19 yards on 7 carries.
WR:
Traylon Ray was the top receiver with four catches for 55 yards while freshman Clay Ash was the top ball carrier, gaining 26 yards on six attempts.
BUFFALO
QB competition:
Six quarterbacks have been rotating throughout the spring practices, including walk-ons, as the Bulls seek to replace starter Cole Snyder following his transfer to Eastern Michigan.
Nobody distinguished himself in the spring game.
CJ Ogbonna, who saw action last year in reserve, mostly as a runner, started things out Saturday and finished 10 of 20 passing for 104 yards and the first touchdown to McMillan.
Another returning pass Gunnar Gray was 6 of 14 for 108 yards and a TD.
Richie Watts went 5 of 8 for 61 yards, and walk-on Anthony Policare, whose father was a QB for the Bulls in the 1990s, scrambled for 31 yards and a score.
“It was up and down for sure,” Lembo said. “There were some highlights and then there were some times where I felt we were holding the ball too long. There were times we did some good things, some good throws, some good runs.”
RB:
On the ground, Lamar Sperling, last year’s Mr. Ohio recruit, had a 34-yard run early, Mark-Anthony Scott broke off a 40-yarder, and Messiah Burch, a wide receiver in his redshirt season, led the way with 55 yards on six carries, with a long run of 28.
WR:
The most impressive performer wide receiver Nik McMillan, the Buffalonian who starred for Canisius High School. McMillan, who played in seven games before an injury cut his redshirt freshman season short, caught six passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns Saturday.
“This year coming out I’m just trying to come for everything I was coming for last year,” McMillan said. “I came in with way more confidence. Because last year I played and had a couple games under my belt. This year I’m trying to be a leader for the whole receiver group.”
Lembo noted that McMillan has been a playmaker throughout the spring practices, and shown a willingness to accept coaching that portends well for his continued improvement.
“No doubt, we’re counting on him to be a guy for us,” Lembo sadi. “Nik has definitely made plays catching the ball and with the ball in his hand after the catch. But there are still parts of his game that can continue to develop.”
McMillan flashed his ability in last year’s spring game. “That was my chance to really prove what I can do on the field,” he said.
NIU
A three-man race for QB1
Ethan Hampton, Jalen Macon and Josh Holst have seemingly emerged as the top contenders in NIU's ongoing quarterback battle.
Widely considered the de facto starter heading into spring ball, Hampton is the most experienced QB on NIU’s roster. He backed up Lombardi for the past three seasons and started four games in Lombardi’s stead during that span – albeit going 0-4 in those starts.
Hampton’s familiarity with the offensive system and chemistry with the unit, not to mention his prior game experience against Football Bowl Subdivision competition, gives him a leg up in the QB race. However, he’ll need to fine-tune his accuracy and mitigate his past turnover tendencies as the battle persists through the summer and into fall camp.
One of NIU’s two portal pick-ups during the winter transfer window, Macon appeared in 10 games over two seasons at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
In addition to a handful of game experience, he brings elite athleticism and arm talent. Macon hasn’t shied away from using his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame to tuck the ball and run, either.
Macon’s size and speed would make him an excellent complement to Hammock’s run-first offense, but his learning curve for a new system may make Macon a riskier option at QB compared to returners like Hampton and Holst. Though if he’s able to pick up on offensive coordinator Wesley Beschorner’s system quick enough, Macon has the potential to bring NIU’s offense up to the level of its vaunted defense.
Hammock said the Huskies' passing offense and developing a starting quarterback have been an emphasis this spring
RB:
Senior all-conference running back Antario Brown saw limited action with redshirt freshman Jaylen Poe and junior Justin Lynch receiving multiple reps as Lynch displayed his rushing and receiving skills.
Offensively, Antario Brown had his best spring since he's been here.
WR/TE:
Keyshaun Pipkin and Kyle Thomas have really grown at the wide receiver position.
…I think all three quarterbacks at different times had excellent moments this spring, and then Grayson Barnes at tight end.
WR Trayvon Rudolp won the spring’s most improved award.
TCU
QB:
Quarterback Ken Seals, a Vanderbilt transfer, accounted for two touchdowns.
RB:
With a number of receivers like Jack Bech, Dylan Wright and JoJo Earle out on Saturday the Horned Frogs needed a playmaker to step up in a big way on offense and the running back [Cam Cook] answered the call. On the offense’s first drive, Cook set up the scoring drive with three hard carries that totaled roughly 18 yards. The next time the first-team offense took the field, Cook needed just one play to rip off a 25-yard touchdown run that similar to the one he had in an earlier scrimmage.
Cook continued to dazzle the crowd with a number of nice open field moves and a hard running style that drew praise from Dykes after the scrimmage.
“It was good to see Cam Cook (perform),” Dykes said. “I think he’s been a guy that every time the defense has to tackle him, he shows up and has really been impressive.”
Freshman running back Nate Palmer showed off some nice moves on a 10-plus yard run featuring a cut back from the middle of the field to the outside. This set up his own touchdown from a few yards out on the next play.
WR:
Ken Seals, a Vanderbilt transfer, accounted for two touchdowns… The first came when he found Boise State transfer wide receiver Eric McAlister over the middle of the field. McAlister had come from the right side, cut across the middle, caught the ball, and sprinted into the end zone.
McAlister has been sure-handed all camp, but dropped a wide open slant that would’ve resulted in a first down.
Seals completed a pass to wide receiver Savion Williams in the end zone.
OKLAHOMA STATE (cancelled)
TROY
Troy held a non-traditional spring game. Here are some notes anyway:
It was a non-traditional spring game for the Trojans as the afternoon featured 1-on-1 competitions and a skill showdown, which included a couple of Troy legends.
“Rosters are different now, and the game of college football is different,” head coach Gerad Parker said. “We took on some things with our roster during the spring with injuries and other things, nothing permanent, but we had to be smarter (about today’s format). We wanted to be creative and also competitive, and I thought our guys embraced it, took a mature approach to it, and had a fun day.”
The defense won seven of the 11 1-on-1 competitions in the first quarter, which featured receivers vs. defensive backs and the offensive line and defensive front squaring off. In the 7-on-7 portion of the first quarter, Trent Henry provided some fireworks with a 72-yard interception return for a touchdown before Goose Crowder hit Zeriah Beason for a 27-yard touchdown.
Beason caught his second touchdown of this game, a 25-yard strike from Tucker Kilcrease in the Race to 18, while Nick Troemel and Scott Taylor Renfroe booted a pair of field goals. Luke Hodge came up with a big fourth-down stop for the defense, but a 25-yard touchdown pass from Kilcrease to Jordan Lovett won that part of the day for the offense.
In the open field part of the scrimmage, the defense recorded five sacks, including two from Jordan Perry. Beason hauled in his third score of the day, this one a 43-yard connection with Kilcrease to put another seven points on the board for the offense.
After the kickers and punters put on a show, it was time for the skills competition, which included former Troy quarterbacks Gunnar Watson and Corey Robinson, plus running back Jordan Chunn and receiver Chandler Worthy.