Falgout surprises at Rice

[westend1]

Owls

Rice athletics with Moisekapenda Bower

August 23, 2008

Owls camp: It's over

Twelve games and three months should provide ample opportunity to judge the coaching acumen of David Bailiff and his staff, and barring another series of catastrophic injuries, those who closely follow the goings on at The Stadium will have an idea of what Bailiff can accomplish on the field by Thanksgiving weekend.

The Owls concluded their second camp under Bailiff on Saturday morning, and did so rigorously. Bailiff challenged his team to complete 24 periods in smothering heat, a send-off that marked a stark contrast to the country club atmosphere of 2005. Bailiff spent the past month lauding the benefits of continuity and senior leadership to all within earshot, and the value of those components were evident while the Owls put the disaster that was 2007 in the rear view mirror.

"That's what made it where those guys raised the bar higher on expectations and simple work ethic," Bailiff said. "This entire camp we did that. I thought that we could practice longer and harder than we could in our first two-a-days here."

Forever the diplomat, Bailiff avoided commenting on the unresolved concerns at the close of camp. However, we'll play mind reader and fill in the blanks on what went right, what went wrong, and on the players deserving special recognition.

PRE-CAMP CONCERNS

Resolved : The offensive line. Save for a forgettable effort during the second scrimmage, this reconstructed unit meshed well and was surprisingly stable.

Unresolved : Special teams. There was no need for Bailiff to comment. The punters/kickers have struggled, and despite the influx of speed via the freshmen, the return game will feature old standbys Brandon King and Ja'Corey Shepherd.

Most Outstanding Player

OFF - Patrick Randolph.

DEF - Brian Raines.

Most Improved Player

OFF - Randolph.

DEF - Chance Talbert. Bailiff loves his size and strength in the trenches.

Most Surprising Players

Travis Bradshaw and David Falgout (tie). The walk-on safeties have been solid.

Newcomers of Note

OFF - Shane Turner. The lithe freshman will impact the running and passing attacks.

DEF - Arnoud Gascon-Nadon. Bailiff on AGN: "He possess attitude and plays like he's been here two or three years. He's aggressive, runs well and is focused."

[BMTSoulja1]

Congrads to David.  BTW, where is big brother John Falgout playing?

[westend1]

John's at The Air Force Academy.  I think he will be starting this year.(or at least get significant playing time)

[BMTSoulja1]

Oh, ok.  Thanks.  he was a beast in HS!