Ohio practiced Saturday for its second day of 2019 fall camp. The practice was conducted in 24 periods, which lasted over two hours and 10 minutes. Here are The Post’s observations.
ATTENDANCE
Not present: Michael Farkas (non-football obligation)
Other notes: Running back Julian Ross did not practice for the second consecutive day, as he is making his way back from an injury. Running back Jake Neatherton was a limited participant and only practiced during individual periods, as he is returning from an injury. Running back Walter Willbon watched from the bleachers and did not practice for an undisclosed reason. Wide receiver Shane Hooks did not practice for an undisclosed reason, and cornerback Jamal Hudson did not practice.
OBSERVATIONS
Sights and sounds
- The same intensity and excitement from day one had a very marginal drop-off in some position groups, most notably in the offensive line at the start of practice.
- Redshirt senior Steven Hayes was adamant about players not walking around, so the first few minutes of the offensive line’s individual period involved doing up-downs.
- Players were dressed in helmets, jerseys and shorts for the second consecutive day.
- Quarterback Nathan Rourke was the only player to have the green Ohio decal on the side of his helmet, as all the other players only have the green stripes.
Quarterback
- Rourke looked sharp for Ohio’s first day of camp Friday, and it carried over into Saturday’s practice. He went 4-for-7 in two periods of 7-on-7, and he had a couple impressive throws on a 40-yard skinny post to D.L. Knock and a 20-yard flag route caught by Cam Odom. Both passes were made through tight windows with All-Mid-American Conference safety Javon Hagan on the coverage for Knock’s reception.
- Rourke also had a great showing during two periods of 11-on-11 and went 5-for-9 and a touchdown caught by Odom on a skinny post route.
- The backup battle may have already potentially narrowed. Freshman Kurtis Rourke took a noticeably larger amount of reps throughout the entire practice.
- The younger Rourke had a few overthrows during team periods and coughed up a fumble on a read option exchange.
- There was a heavy emphasis on quarterback draws and quick screens during the team periods.
Running backs
- Redshirt freshman O’Shaan Allison took the field with starters and performed well. He broke off a couple of 15-yard runs during team periods.
- De’Montre Tuggle and Ja’Vahri Portis both had solid days with the second team.
- There was no given estimate for Ross’ or Neatherton’s return.
Offensive line
- From left to right, the starting offensive line was Austen Pleasants, Brett Kitrell, Steven Hayes, Hagen Meservy and Marques Grimes.
- There was a heavier emphasis on double team blocks and reaching to the linebackers during the individual periods for the offensive line.
Defensive line
- Defensive end Amos Ogun-Semore showcased some of what could be an exciting season for him during the four team periods in Saturday’s practice.
- Ogun-Semore reached the backfield for a presumed quarterback sack and blocked a pass on the line of scrimmage.
Linebackers
- Once again, the starters during the 7-on-7 and team periods were Eric Popp, Austin Clack and Jared Dorsa.
Secondary
- During 1-on-1 periods, the defensive backs were mostly bested by the offense, although there were a few pass breakups from Hagan and Marlin Brooks.
Special teams
- Saturday’s practice saw more of an introduction in the special teams’ game with punt returns and field goals.
- The following players all fielded punts: Jeremiah Wood, Isiah Cox, Jerome Buckner and Chase Cokley.
- Kicker Louie Zervos went 2-for-2 during the field goal period.
Next up
The Bobcats practice on Sunday, Aug. 4 starting at 9:05 a.m. The practice is open to the public.
