Fall Camp - Day 14

Wrubel's notes:



True freshman offensive lineman Ryker Mathews (who played in spring) will also play this season, as one of the top six players for five rotation spots on the line. In addition, true freshman Austin Heder is likely to play at either linebacker or fullback, or "maybe both, and special teams," says Mendenhall. "It might be a Iona Pritchard-type freshman season. He might be able to play some fullback, be a #3 at Mike, and be on some special teams. Wednesday we'll make a decision on him."

All other new players are headed for the scout team and a potential redshirt season. They are:

RB Adam Hine

WR Terrenn Houk

QB Alex Kuresa

S Gavin Fowler

DL Moses Kaumatule

DL Baker Pritchard

S Teu Kautai

OLB Lene Lesatele

ILB Va'a Niumatalolo

TE Stehly Reden

ILB Manoa Pikula

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In addition, true freshman TE Colby Jorgensen is out for the season after shoulder surgery in camp.

*******

The Heder situation illustrate Mendenhall's feelings about his fullback situation without Iona Pritchard (out for the season after suffering a dislocation fracture in the first scrimmage of camp).

Minus Pritchard (and also currently missing Zed Mendenhall, out with a sprained ankle), Mendenhall acknowledges the RB Bryan Kariya is playing a "little more full (back), but that's not our ideal."

"If we have to do it that way, just the wear and tear on him--it would be hard for him to carry the ball as much as we'd like to. We'd rather not (use Kariya at FB); we're looking for other options to have there."



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The only one of those people that I'm a little surprised about is WR Terrenn Houk. He was said to be turning some heads during camp. I could see why they may not want to burn a season with the WRs that we already have.

Why not let Pikula play both ways instead of Heder?? Or let Alisa play more at RB to reduce Kariya's work load??



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FB is apparently where they need the most help with Iona out for season and Mendenhall out with sprained ankle. Apparently Heder did well in the classroom - very intelligent, picks up things quickly, can play FB, Mike LB and special teams. Decision will be made on Wednesday.



Regarding OL - neat to see Riker to get playing time as freshmen - will provide great depth and make next year's transition from M. Reynolds more bearable.



Like the way Sampson is getting attention from Bronco. Sounds like he will eventually be starting material and allow for opportunity to use nickle back coverage. Sampson currently backs up Hadley while Johnson backs up Eason.



I believe that Hague just might be starter with Travis still injured. Interesting to see that Mees is now in front of Jray G.



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