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Some thoughts from Day One

Posted March 18, 2008

I watched every minute of the first practice of spring on Monday and a few guys made an impression. Obviously, it's just one practice, in shorts and helmets, but these guys seemed to have a good day.

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Markques Simas walked into the bubble and began screaming. He didn't stop until he had sprinted about halfway down the field. The guy was fired up I guess cause he seemed to be making plays and going pretty hard throughout. Fans are going to become familiar with No. 6.

It's much too early to predict who might step into open jobs on the offensive line, but if I had to bet on one of the young guys, I think it would be Mike Iltis. The guy just looks the part. He looks like a junior or senior as a redshirt freshman. I know he's one of the stronger guys on the team and he seems to have a fire in him.

Both place-kickers Aric Goodman and Jameson Davis seemed to kick pretty well. I'd say Davis probably has the stronger leg. Goodman might have the edge in accuracy right now.

I know everyone is wondering about Kai Maiava's move from offensive line to fullback. It was sort of strange to see Maiava wearing No. 40 and running short pass routes. The guy can catch the ball, but I don't think he's going to be running routes down the middle of the field. He moves well and seems to have slimmed down.

There is also plenty of interest in Nate Solder's move to tackle. Solder seemed to holding his own in drills against other offensive linemen and when offensive line coach Jeff Grimes was talking he wasn't constantly focused on Solder, which is a good thing. That tells me Solder is off to a good start and is picking things up well. I'll have more on Solder soon. He told me Monday that his fellow linemen have taken him under their wings and worked with him on footwork and hand placement.

The defensive line spent almost the entire practice at the far end of the bubble, making it hard to really watch guys. I'm impressed with the size of redshirt freshmen Conrad Obi, Lagrone Shields and Eugene Goree. And, my god, has Marquez Herrod added some muscle. The guy is up to 275 pounds. Talked to Drew Hudgins briefly before practice. He is beginning to gain some weight back. He's up to 235 but still recovering from his achilles injury. He'll be involved in about 80 percent of spring work.

New defensive technical intern Ashley Ambrose came by and introduced himself. Seems like a great guy. Several of the defensive backs told me they are excited to have him around. If you want to pick someone's brain about the tricks of the trade, who better than a 13-year NFL veteran?

The Buffs practice again today at 4 p.m. in the bubble, unless the weather is awesome. Practices are open to the public.