The second North Texas Scrimmage is in the books and about 200 fans saw some offensive fireworks with several long runs and passes but little action on the defensive side of the ball.

It was not a very good scrimmage for Defensive Coordinator Gary DeLoach’s unit. They looked like they were somewhere in the stands watching in awe at what the offense was doing on the field. It is clear there DeLoach has a lot of homework to do. Three touchdowns in the first three series all long runs or passes is not a good. There were six scores overall with three scores on plays that were over 70 yards long. While the scores delighted the fans, it points to the problem for the team, no defense generally means no wins.

Several secondary players were out of position, were turned around, fell down or generally no where near the play. The defensive line simply could not get push into the backfield, basically all afternoon they were pushed around at will by the offensive line. On average, they were pushed back three to four yards before they had a chance to put a hand on the ball carrier. That translates into running backs gaining five or six yards per carry before being tackled.  

It was not all bad for the defensive unit. They did have a blocked field goal attempt during special team’s drills. The junior college transfers made statements they can be starters for the defensive secondary. There were three or four pressures on the quarterbacks, containment of the running backs and some pass knockdowns. Most tackling was solid, a lot of gang tackling and for the most part not a lot of broken tackles.

Of the 105 plays here are some of the defensive highlights that were noted. Senior DB Chris Neal had a nice break-up on a pass. Senior LB A.J. Penson broke through the offensive line to drop the RB for a loss. Butler CC Transfer Junior Forlando Johnson broke through to stop a screen pass before it even got started and on his coverage of passing plays was basically in the right position. Sophomore LB Jeremy Phillips broke up a pass. Senior LB Craig Robertson got a pass knockdown.  After a long drive, Senior DB Robby Gordon got an interception near the goal line to stop another score. Butler CC transfer Junior Ryan Downing on several hits stopped the ball carries dead in their tracks holding him up for the rest of the defense to finish the ball carrier off. Senior LB Ira Smith ran down a RB after being about ten yards behind him. Junior LB D’Leon McCord made a stick to WR Breece Johnson in the flat dropping him at the point of contact. Sophomore LB Ryan Foster had a QB sack.   

In this scrimmage, it was the running back show. Junior Running Back James Hamilton made a statement that he did not intent to take a backseat to no one. On his first series with the second team he ran a 70 yard touchdown run. What did he look like on the run can be explained by several fans who thought he was Lance Dunbar going in for his second score. Once they checked the number they were surprised how much he looked like Dunbar.

Junior RB Lance Dunbar had a couple of touchdowns and long runs. He looks to be in preseason form and is the solid starter. It is obvious there will not be a big drop in talent when either Hamilton or Brandin Byrd carries the ball. Shelton Gandy got some reps. Sophomore RB Jeremi Mathis broke several tackles on his run and had to be ganged tackled to be brought down.

All offensive lines did a great job keeping the defense out of the backfield. They made big holes for the running backs as well as giving the quarterbacks time for passes. It was noticeable the first line pushed the defensive line back further then the other units. When Dunbar was in there, he would not meet a defender until he was past the line of scrimmage by about three to five yards. That’s a strong push. The second unit would get a push of about two or three yards before Hamilton met a defender.

Riley Dodge did a very good job at the WR but it was apparent he needs to get some more reps before he is totally up to speed. Senior WR Breece Johnson on his catch and touchdown run turned the defender totally around causing him to fall down. Sophomore Willie Taylor had a couple nice catches including a twenty yarder.  Senior WR Jamaal Jackson recorded a touchdown catch. Walk-on Grant Davis looks like a giant compared to the other receivers and caught a couple of passes. There were several nice downfield blocks by several wide receivers which aided the running backs in their long runs.

The QB position is still contested and there are several underlying scenarios going on. It looks to be senior Nathan Tune is the early odds on favorite for the starting position with Derek Thompson the back-up and Chase Blaine hot on his heels. Head Coach Todd Dodge could name Tune the starter, Blaine the back-up and give Thompson a sophomore redshirt thereby giving him three years at the helm after Tune graduates. Blaine clearly shows he can run the option type offense.  He rolls out nicely, can delivered the ball or take off with it. However, is that what Offensive Coordinator Mike Canales wants? Or, would Dodge opt to start Tune with Thompson the back-up leaving him with two years at the helm? Could it be he simply names Thompson the starter now and gives him his three years and name Tune the back-up?

The fans seem to believe the future starting quarterback will be Thompson. Some fans may feel the issue is having a winning season next year in order to keep the present coaching staff intact and Tune gives the experience to get the job done. When it comes down to it, whether Tune, Thompson or Blaine gets the controls it doesn’t matter. Right now the offense can be maintained with any of the quarterbacks. The winning and losing is like it has been for the last several years, the problem is not the offense, the problem is the defense and whether it steps up or is in the stands watching the offense get their way.

Make a trip to Spring Practice this coming Sunday at 3 P.M. and get look for yourselves.