The Defending Champs held practice at Jervey Meadows on Monday evening. Dabo told me he was very pleased with how Trevor Lawrence has looked when scrambling in Saturday's scrimmage and throughout camp. That was probably the biggest improvement Dabo wanted his Heisman candidate to make this season. Dabo also told us that as of now the second-string tight end behind JC Chalk would be Luke Price, brother of former Clemson offensive lineman Phillip Price. I would expect one or both of the freshman tight ends, Jaelyn Lay and Davis Allen, to jump over Price at some point during the season. Both have the talent and the physical traits, but that position is the toughest for a freshman to learn next to quarterback. Finally, Dabo spoke in length about freshman WR Joseph Ngata. We all knew how talented the 5-star California native is, and I reported how good he looked at 215 pounds a couple weeks ago, but Dabo said that he has never seen a harder worker than Ngata, and that's at any age! That is quite a statement, considering how many greats have been through this program. Ngata has both the talent and the work ethic, and that translates to extraordinary greatness. He is also versatile--Dabo said that he could play all 3 receiver positions, even the slot. Ngata might just be the best receiver to come through WRU, and that is saying something. Speaking of the receivers, Dabo told me there is no chance Amari Rodgers will play in the Texas A&M game. He does expect Rodgers to be back by early October at the latest, but that's after the Tigers' two toughest regular season games: A&M and at Syracuse. Diondre Overton will be the starter in the slot, and Derion Kendrick will likely be the starter on punt returns.
We also spoke with Xavier Thomas and DE Justin Mascoll. The interviews are below!
Never miss the latest news from CUTigers!
Join our free email list