In a workout that featured more varied scenarios and less live contact, VMI football conducted a two-hour practice with structured scrimmage segments Saturday morning on the Foster Stadium turf.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Al Cobb threw scoring strikes to three different receivers during the controlled scrimmage part of the practice and reserve Hayden Alford tossed TD passes to two other receivers to highlight the offensive play. Redshirt QB Jade Maher also connected on a 20-yard catch and run to receiver Darrian Johnson on the first play of a live red zone series.
Defensively, senior outside linebacker Chris Copeland and senior defensive back Alex James both picked off passes to spark the unit.
First year coach head coach Scott Wachenheim said the workout was structured to maximize preparation both for the short and long term as the Keydets approach their September 3 opener at Ball State.
“It was very good from a team standpoint,” said Wachenheim. “We had our offense on the field for a 10-play drive, we had our defense on the field for a 10-play drive. I thought the offense really improved on the ball security issues they had in last Saturday’s scrimmage and I think our defense continues to get better. We had some live red zone and two-minute work which is critical as we get going and getting all the special teams on film making sure we get substitutions right a couple of weeks out before we play Ball State.”
Freshman wide out Donte Mauck continued to impress and hauled in a 44-yard completion from Cobb for one of the longest plays from scrimmage on the day.
“Donte Mauck has had a great camp and has great speed but he is just a tremendous worker and did a super job in the classroom during the summer,” said Wachenheim. “He’s very attentive, takes notes, and works to improve his craft every day.”
Wachenheim also cites several other newcomers that have made an impression in preseason practice. “Chris Gavin at running back has really showed up and impressed. He’ll be a young man that plays a lot as a freshman. Arnold Roots at linebacker has shown up consistently and will be a guy that we rely on. Cole Brummit on the offensive line will be a guy to watch and Casey Phillips on the defensive line. All the freshman have looked good. If you asked me to single out a few, those are the ones that you would probably see playing significant reps in the first ballgame.“
In scrimmage special teams, junior placekicker Dillon Christopher converted field goals of 28, 35, and 42 yards.
VMI will resume preseason practice Monday, August 24 at 8:30 a.m.
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