Army West Point Athletics
Big Play Highlights Saturday Football Scrimmage
August 14, 2010 | Football
WEST POINT, N.Y. – A 61-yard touchdown pass from sophomore QB Trent Steelman to junior WR Davyd Brooks highlighted the Army football team’s first intrasquad scrimmage held at Michie Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was one of three scores by the first-team offense during the workout.
Second-year head coach Rich Ellerson was pleased with what he saw on both sides of the ball.
“I think you see that there is a group on offense and a group on defense who have done this before,” Ellerson said after the scrimmage. “We have some guys with ability who have been in the systems for a year or more, and it looks like that. You can see that discrepancy I’ve talked about between the veterans and the relatively inexperienced guys. It was good to see those veteran players go out and execute with the speed and efficiency and confidence.”
After a 30-minute fundamental session, the Black Knights worked on special teams. Senior Jonathan Bulls highlighted the punting session with a 68-yard boot that rolled inside the 10-yard line. Sophomore DB Josh Jackson was with the first team punt return squad as the deep man and alternated reps with junior LB Josh Jones, last year’s main punt returner. Senior Matt Campbell kicked off twice, reaching the 1-yard line and the end zone, while senior SB Patrick Mealy and sophomore SB Malcolm Brown were the deep men with the first kickoff return unit. None of the special teams exercises featured full contact. Jackson and sophomore SB Brian Cobbs were the return men on the second unit.
The offense versus defense portion of the scrimmage started with a set of special situation plays. The chains were set at 3rd-and-6, and the first-team offense started playing against a mix of first and second-team defenders. Steelman was under center and joined in the backfield by Brown, Mealy and sophomore FB Jared Hassin. Brooks and senior Austin Barr were the wideouts with junior Mike McDermott, senior Seth Reed, senior Zach Peterson, sophomore Frank Allen and senior Anees Merzi across the front line from left to right. Senior OT Jason Johnson did not participate due to injury.
Army’s first unit converted on three of its six tries to move the chains. Brown rushed for six yards, Steelman ran for 17 yards thanks to a crushing lead block by Hassin and Steelman hit brooks for an 11-yard gain.
The second team then came on in a similar situation. Junior Max Jenkins was the quarterback with senior Jacob Bohn at fullback and Cobbs and freshman Raymond Maples at slotback. Sophomore Justin Allen and rookie Anthony Stephens were the receivers. The second unit also converted three of the third downs. Jenkins connected with Bohn for an eight-yard gain, Cobbs ran for 26 after being sprung loose by a block by Maples, and Jenkins found Allen for a nine-yard gain.
Senior QB Chip Bowden was held out of Saturday’s workout as a precaution, but Ellerson commented after the workout that he has been doing well.
After the situational work, the first-team offense was back on the field against the scout team defense. It took just four plays to go 70 yards, highlighted by a perfectly thrown go route from Steelman to Brooks.
“It’s a big part of our offense,” Steelman commented after the scrimmage. “That’s one thing I told myself in the offseason is that I was going to get better throwing the ball. It takes so much pressure off our running game, not having nine in the box all the time. Brooks can run a little bit, and we’re going to take those shots. It’s going to be a huge part of our offense because every once in awhile you need to take your chances trying to get it in the end zone.”
Junior Alex Carlton hit a 25-yard field goal following the score. Instead of PAT attempts, the Black Knights lined up for field goals after the three touchdowns. Carlton was perfect on both his tries, also splitting the uprights from 42 yards out. Campbell made good on his one attempt from 35 yards out.
After the first score, the ball was placed at the defense’s 19-yard line. The offense needed only three plays to find paydirt. Hassin did the honors from four yards out after Steelman had posted a six-yard gain and a nine-yard run.
The first-team kept the ball and was set up with a first-and-goal from the 9-yard line. After a five-yard option keeper by Steelman, the sophomore signal caller threw his second touchdown of the day, a fade route to Barr in the back corner of the end zone.
In the three series, Steelman ran five times for 22 yards and completed both his passes for touchdowns.
“It’s a huge difference just being able to get the timing down with running the ball, passing the ball, and just having that extra experience from playing 12 games last year,” Steelman said of his second season at West Point. “The comfort level is just there, and everything is coming together.”
Following the Black Knights’ third touchdown, it was the first-team defense’s turn to take the field. It was a familiar lineup with senior DT Mike Gann anchoring the defensive front flanked by senior DE Josh McNary and senior DE Marcus Hilton. Senior Stephen Anderson was back at the “mike” linebacker position accompanied by junior “rover” Steve Erzinger. Sophomores Nate Combs and Jarett Mackey were also in the linebacking corps at “whip” and the new “whip bandit” position, respectively. Junior Andrew Rodriguez sat out the scrimmage with an injury. The defensive backfield consisted of Jackson and senior Richard King at the corners and seniors Donovan Travis and Donnie Dixon at safety. Junior Antuan Aaron, one of last year’s starters at cornerback, did not participate with an injury.
The defense forced the scout team offense into a three-and-out on the first possession. Anderson highlighted the second possession with a bone-jarring hit – his first tackle since coming back from the knee injury suffered last season at Air Force.
“It felt great to be back in that huddle and make sure our mindset was right before each play,” Anderson said. “Everybody is on the same page, and as the ‘mike’ my job is to make sure everyone is focused. We have a great experienced group of guys that know how to swarm to the football so it makes my job easier. It’s like riding a bike. I’m excited. My knee feels great. I’m just going to keep an eye on that and keep playing ball.”
McNary and Erzinger combined for tackle for loss and King broke up a pass later in the series. Later in the day, the scout team did score one touchdown against the first-team defense during a red-zone drill. King gambled on slant route, but just missed the ball, allowing the receiver to make the catch and fall into the end zone.
Jenkins came on to run the second team in its turn against the scout team defense. In three series he ran four times for 23 yards, including a 13-yard scamper, and did not complete his one pass attempt. Maples had the second-team’s second-longest play with a 12-yard run.
One of the closest battles on display Saturday was for the backup fullback position. With Hassin firmly in place as the starter, Bohn and junior CeDarius Williams, last year’s opening-day starter, are battling for the reserve role.
“I’ve really liked what’s happened at fullback,” Ellerson said. “Jacob Bohn and CeDarius Williams have both come back. We’re not surprised Jared is having a good camp. We’re excited to see those other guys compete as well as they have. Right now, they’re both guys you trust. We’re not a juggernaut. We’re not going to roll anyone physically, but we’re certainly competitive physically and more precise than we’ve been.”
The fullback competition is not the only spot up for grabs. While Brown took reps as one of the first-team slotbacks, that position is not etched in stone. Ellerson explained after Saturday’s scrimmage that the slotback and other position battles may not be decided for some time.
“We haven’t been practicing for two weeks, let alone been in full pads a lot,” Ellerson said. “We’re not going to do a lot of 11-on-11 like we did today. We’ll do some physical things and give guys the chance to separate themselves, but some of those things won’t be until we start playing. Brian Cobbs and Malcolm Brown at the A-Back position, that’s probably going to be determined when we start playing. One of those two guys is going to start, but they’ll both play a significant role and have a chance to distinguish themselves in competition as we get going. We’ll see how far Raymond (Maples) can come along. He’s going to get a lot of turns there.”
Saturday marked the end of the “camp” portion of preseason practice. The Black Knights return to practice on Monday, the first day of classes at West Point.
“That will be our first challenge now that camp is over and we have a little more on our plate,” Anderson said. “For that first practice we’re going to have to clear everything that happened in the Corps and get up here in practice mode. We need to remember what our goals are and what our team has decided we’re going to do this year. That’s all it has to be – just come to practice and get ready to get better.”
Army opens its 121st season of intercollegiate competition on Saturday, Sept. 4 when the Black Knights visit Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. Army begins its home slate the following week, hosting Hawai'i on Sept. 11.
Full season, mini-plan and single-game tickets for all Army home contests are currently on sale at the Army Ticket Office, by phone at 1-877-TIX-ARMY or online by clicking here. Full season ticket packages in a special section dubbed "Coach E's Army," begin at just $99 for lower-deck seating locations in Michie Stadium. Fans who purchase tickets in that section will receive a special "Coach E's Army" T-shirt. A limited number of tickets remain available to Army's game against Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium. In order to purchase Army-Notre Dame tickets, fans must hold membership in the Army "A" Club and purchase 2010 Army football season tickets.
Saturday’s Quotables
Head Coach Rich Ellerson
(Ref.: the deep passing game)
“If you have it, there are certainly opportunities to get it. Our quarterback is throwing the ball well. You do get your share of single coverage out there, and if you do have a guy that can get into a one-on-one and win it, there is some money out there. You would like to think you can play somebody that is concerned with that, that they don’t think they can sit on your hip and run with you all day because you have enough skill and a deep ball threat. I think we have that. Every once in awhile you’re going to run into a corner that you can’t get away from, but we can put them on an island and we can give them a good athlete. We’ve got some guys at wide receiver who are athletically gifted and skilled in their route running and taking advantage of space in one-on-one opportunities. Trent is throwing the ball well, and that’s not the first criteria for that position. The good news is, he is delivering the ball well.”
Sophomore QB Trent Steelman
(Ref.: the first scrimmage)
“It was good to be back on the field and some live action. We felt good out there. Putting everything together is exciting. We’re only three weeks before game time, and everything is coming together. We’re looking forward to getting the games started.”
Senior LB Stephen Anderson
(Ref.: preparing for Eastern Michigan)
“We’ve gone against a little bit of Eastern Michigan’s offense, but not a lot. We just want to make sure our bread-and-butter defense is sound and we have the right people doing the right things. On game week, or maybe a little before game week, we’ll focus on Eastern Michigan and be ready to go.”
Upcoming Practice Schedule
Monday, Aug. 16 - No Practice
Tuesday, Aug. 17 - 3:30-5:30 p.m. (W)
Wednesday, Aug. 18 - 3:30-5:30 p.m.(W, MM)
Thursday, Aug. 19 - 3:30-5:30 p.m.(MM)
Friday, Aug. 20 - 3:30-5:30 p.m.(W)
Saturday, Aug. 21 - 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (W, MM)
Note -- Tentative coverage plan via www.goARMYsports.com is listed in parentheses
W - Written Story
MM - Video Feature
Second-year head coach Rich Ellerson was pleased with what he saw on both sides of the ball.
“I think you see that there is a group on offense and a group on defense who have done this before,” Ellerson said after the scrimmage. “We have some guys with ability who have been in the systems for a year or more, and it looks like that. You can see that discrepancy I’ve talked about between the veterans and the relatively inexperienced guys. It was good to see those veteran players go out and execute with the speed and efficiency and confidence.”
After a 30-minute fundamental session, the Black Knights worked on special teams. Senior Jonathan Bulls highlighted the punting session with a 68-yard boot that rolled inside the 10-yard line. Sophomore DB Josh Jackson was with the first team punt return squad as the deep man and alternated reps with junior LB Josh Jones, last year’s main punt returner. Senior Matt Campbell kicked off twice, reaching the 1-yard line and the end zone, while senior SB Patrick Mealy and sophomore SB Malcolm Brown were the deep men with the first kickoff return unit. None of the special teams exercises featured full contact. Jackson and sophomore SB Brian Cobbs were the return men on the second unit.
The offense versus defense portion of the scrimmage started with a set of special situation plays. The chains were set at 3rd-and-6, and the first-team offense started playing against a mix of first and second-team defenders. Steelman was under center and joined in the backfield by Brown, Mealy and sophomore FB Jared Hassin. Brooks and senior Austin Barr were the wideouts with junior Mike McDermott, senior Seth Reed, senior Zach Peterson, sophomore Frank Allen and senior Anees Merzi across the front line from left to right. Senior OT Jason Johnson did not participate due to injury.
Army’s first unit converted on three of its six tries to move the chains. Brown rushed for six yards, Steelman ran for 17 yards thanks to a crushing lead block by Hassin and Steelman hit brooks for an 11-yard gain.
The second team then came on in a similar situation. Junior Max Jenkins was the quarterback with senior Jacob Bohn at fullback and Cobbs and freshman Raymond Maples at slotback. Sophomore Justin Allen and rookie Anthony Stephens were the receivers. The second unit also converted three of the third downs. Jenkins connected with Bohn for an eight-yard gain, Cobbs ran for 26 after being sprung loose by a block by Maples, and Jenkins found Allen for a nine-yard gain.
Senior QB Chip Bowden was held out of Saturday’s workout as a precaution, but Ellerson commented after the workout that he has been doing well.
After the situational work, the first-team offense was back on the field against the scout team defense. It took just four plays to go 70 yards, highlighted by a perfectly thrown go route from Steelman to Brooks.
“It’s a big part of our offense,” Steelman commented after the scrimmage. “That’s one thing I told myself in the offseason is that I was going to get better throwing the ball. It takes so much pressure off our running game, not having nine in the box all the time. Brooks can run a little bit, and we’re going to take those shots. It’s going to be a huge part of our offense because every once in awhile you need to take your chances trying to get it in the end zone.”
Junior Alex Carlton hit a 25-yard field goal following the score. Instead of PAT attempts, the Black Knights lined up for field goals after the three touchdowns. Carlton was perfect on both his tries, also splitting the uprights from 42 yards out. Campbell made good on his one attempt from 35 yards out.
After the first score, the ball was placed at the defense’s 19-yard line. The offense needed only three plays to find paydirt. Hassin did the honors from four yards out after Steelman had posted a six-yard gain and a nine-yard run.
The first-team kept the ball and was set up with a first-and-goal from the 9-yard line. After a five-yard option keeper by Steelman, the sophomore signal caller threw his second touchdown of the day, a fade route to Barr in the back corner of the end zone.
In the three series, Steelman ran five times for 22 yards and completed both his passes for touchdowns.
“It’s a huge difference just being able to get the timing down with running the ball, passing the ball, and just having that extra experience from playing 12 games last year,” Steelman said of his second season at West Point. “The comfort level is just there, and everything is coming together.”
Following the Black Knights’ third touchdown, it was the first-team defense’s turn to take the field. It was a familiar lineup with senior DT Mike Gann anchoring the defensive front flanked by senior DE Josh McNary and senior DE Marcus Hilton. Senior Stephen Anderson was back at the “mike” linebacker position accompanied by junior “rover” Steve Erzinger. Sophomores Nate Combs and Jarett Mackey were also in the linebacking corps at “whip” and the new “whip bandit” position, respectively. Junior Andrew Rodriguez sat out the scrimmage with an injury. The defensive backfield consisted of Jackson and senior Richard King at the corners and seniors Donovan Travis and Donnie Dixon at safety. Junior Antuan Aaron, one of last year’s starters at cornerback, did not participate with an injury.
The defense forced the scout team offense into a three-and-out on the first possession. Anderson highlighted the second possession with a bone-jarring hit – his first tackle since coming back from the knee injury suffered last season at Air Force.
“It felt great to be back in that huddle and make sure our mindset was right before each play,” Anderson said. “Everybody is on the same page, and as the ‘mike’ my job is to make sure everyone is focused. We have a great experienced group of guys that know how to swarm to the football so it makes my job easier. It’s like riding a bike. I’m excited. My knee feels great. I’m just going to keep an eye on that and keep playing ball.”
McNary and Erzinger combined for tackle for loss and King broke up a pass later in the series. Later in the day, the scout team did score one touchdown against the first-team defense during a red-zone drill. King gambled on slant route, but just missed the ball, allowing the receiver to make the catch and fall into the end zone.
Jenkins came on to run the second team in its turn against the scout team defense. In three series he ran four times for 23 yards, including a 13-yard scamper, and did not complete his one pass attempt. Maples had the second-team’s second-longest play with a 12-yard run.
One of the closest battles on display Saturday was for the backup fullback position. With Hassin firmly in place as the starter, Bohn and junior CeDarius Williams, last year’s opening-day starter, are battling for the reserve role.
“I’ve really liked what’s happened at fullback,” Ellerson said. “Jacob Bohn and CeDarius Williams have both come back. We’re not surprised Jared is having a good camp. We’re excited to see those other guys compete as well as they have. Right now, they’re both guys you trust. We’re not a juggernaut. We’re not going to roll anyone physically, but we’re certainly competitive physically and more precise than we’ve been.”
The fullback competition is not the only spot up for grabs. While Brown took reps as one of the first-team slotbacks, that position is not etched in stone. Ellerson explained after Saturday’s scrimmage that the slotback and other position battles may not be decided for some time.
“We haven’t been practicing for two weeks, let alone been in full pads a lot,” Ellerson said. “We’re not going to do a lot of 11-on-11 like we did today. We’ll do some physical things and give guys the chance to separate themselves, but some of those things won’t be until we start playing. Brian Cobbs and Malcolm Brown at the A-Back position, that’s probably going to be determined when we start playing. One of those two guys is going to start, but they’ll both play a significant role and have a chance to distinguish themselves in competition as we get going. We’ll see how far Raymond (Maples) can come along. He’s going to get a lot of turns there.”
Saturday marked the end of the “camp” portion of preseason practice. The Black Knights return to practice on Monday, the first day of classes at West Point.
“That will be our first challenge now that camp is over and we have a little more on our plate,” Anderson said. “For that first practice we’re going to have to clear everything that happened in the Corps and get up here in practice mode. We need to remember what our goals are and what our team has decided we’re going to do this year. That’s all it has to be – just come to practice and get ready to get better.”
Army opens its 121st season of intercollegiate competition on Saturday, Sept. 4 when the Black Knights visit Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. Army begins its home slate the following week, hosting Hawai'i on Sept. 11.
Full season, mini-plan and single-game tickets for all Army home contests are currently on sale at the Army Ticket Office, by phone at 1-877-TIX-ARMY or online by clicking here. Full season ticket packages in a special section dubbed "Coach E's Army," begin at just $99 for lower-deck seating locations in Michie Stadium. Fans who purchase tickets in that section will receive a special "Coach E's Army" T-shirt. A limited number of tickets remain available to Army's game against Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium. In order to purchase Army-Notre Dame tickets, fans must hold membership in the Army "A" Club and purchase 2010 Army football season tickets.
Saturday’s Quotables
Head Coach Rich Ellerson
(Ref.: the deep passing game)
“If you have it, there are certainly opportunities to get it. Our quarterback is throwing the ball well. You do get your share of single coverage out there, and if you do have a guy that can get into a one-on-one and win it, there is some money out there. You would like to think you can play somebody that is concerned with that, that they don’t think they can sit on your hip and run with you all day because you have enough skill and a deep ball threat. I think we have that. Every once in awhile you’re going to run into a corner that you can’t get away from, but we can put them on an island and we can give them a good athlete. We’ve got some guys at wide receiver who are athletically gifted and skilled in their route running and taking advantage of space in one-on-one opportunities. Trent is throwing the ball well, and that’s not the first criteria for that position. The good news is, he is delivering the ball well.”
Sophomore QB Trent Steelman
(Ref.: the first scrimmage)
“It was good to be back on the field and some live action. We felt good out there. Putting everything together is exciting. We’re only three weeks before game time, and everything is coming together. We’re looking forward to getting the games started.”
Senior LB Stephen Anderson
(Ref.: preparing for Eastern Michigan)
“We’ve gone against a little bit of Eastern Michigan’s offense, but not a lot. We just want to make sure our bread-and-butter defense is sound and we have the right people doing the right things. On game week, or maybe a little before game week, we’ll focus on Eastern Michigan and be ready to go.”
Upcoming Practice Schedule
Monday, Aug. 16 - No Practice
Tuesday, Aug. 17 - 3:30-5:30 p.m. (W)
Wednesday, Aug. 18 - 3:30-5:30 p.m.(W, MM)
Thursday, Aug. 19 - 3:30-5:30 p.m.(MM)
Friday, Aug. 20 - 3:30-5:30 p.m.(W)
Saturday, Aug. 21 - 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (W, MM)
Note -- Tentative coverage plan via www.goARMYsports.com is listed in parentheses
W - Written Story
MM - Video Feature
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