The Tigers had their first stadium scrimmage of the spring with the Orange and White Game just over a week away, and we spoke with Dabo, Co-Defensive Coordinator Mickey Conn and Tight Ends Coach Kyle Richardson.
Dabo said that several players were out or sick, including Walker Parks with mono, but it sounds like it was a productive scrimmage. The defense had two interceptions, and Dabo reiterated how impressed he is with freshman DB's Toriano Pride, Sherrod Covil and Jayden Lukus. Fred Davis is finally back from injury, and Zanders is in green, although he won't play next Saturday. Dabo said that Phillips and Mickens are two of the most improved players on the team and have emerged as leaders. Sergio Allen is also back from injury.
Will Shipley has been elevated from yellow to green but won't play next Saturday, as I reported at the beginning of the spring. Dabo continued to praise Phil Mafah, who has been running with the ones all spring with Shipley and Pace out. TE Jake Briningstool is back from a hip pointer and should see a lot of action next Saturday with Davis Allen and Sage Ennis out.
Dabo said Will Putnam had a bad snap in the scrimmage but has been outstanding all spring at the center position, given it's his first time playing there. He said DJ was something like 12-20 in the scrimmage but has had an excellent spring, and Cade continues to impress. Dabo said he's "like a sponge." He's put on some good muscle over the last couple months, weighing in at about 190 pounds. Dabo said a couple weeks ago that Cade was like an identical clone of Deshaun Watson when he came in as a freshman, so Cade could be around 200 pounds by the time August camp arrives. Speaking of Deshaun, who just signed the most lucrative contract in the history of the NFL, Dabo said that he's been in touch with him over the last couple of weeks, providing some counsel through the whole process he's been going through.
Dabo said that Beaux tweaked his hamstring over Spring Break running routes, so he may not be able to play next Saturday. Troy Stellato, who was injured all last season and again for the first half of spring, had a good scrimmage, making 3 or 4 nice plays. Let's hope he stays healthy for the next week! Same thing with Ngata. Dabo has said several times how impressive he has been this spring, and I just hope he can stay healthy through the spring game.
Sheridan Jones has had a great spring but has an injured groin and will miss the spring game.
The full interviews are below!
Never miss the latest news from CUTigers!
Join our free email list