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Camp Insider: Your Direct Source for Raider Camp
Camp Insider: Your Direct Source for Blue Raider News
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| These are the Dog Days of Summer and time when the Blue Raiders get to work and begin installing their plan for the 2015 season. Go behind the scenes of the Middle Tennessee camp here at GoBlueRaiders.com. Here, you will find a plethora of information leading into the opener against Jackson State. We’ll have information, practice reports, scrimmage statistics, quotes, blogs, tweets, photos, videos and more as Middle Tennessee begins its preparations for the 2015 campaign.
Check back each day for all of the latest on the Blue Raiders! |
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August 8th, 2015 MT OFFENSIVE LINE LOOKING TO GEL BEFORE OPENER by Connor Grott (GBR Beat Writer) 
The Blue Raiders’ offensive line has seen a fair amount of change compared to last season. One change that can immediately be seen is the size of the offensive line, especially in the incoming freshmen. “I’m excited about some of those freshmen,” offensive line coach Geep Wade said. Freshmen linemen Josh Fannin, Chandler Brewer, Jonathan Roth and DeAndre Ford are the newcomers of the group. Fannin and Brewer both came into camp weighing 310 pounds each, with the latter standing at 6-foot-6. Roth comes in at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, and Ford enters camp at a whopping 6-foot-6, 378 pounds. The size of those upcoming freshmen will mix with players that will look to improve upon last season. Senior and offensive line leader Darius Johnson returns as the anchor to this unit. Redshirt junior center Josh Chester will also share the leadership duties as he looks to improve on his sophomore campaign. Johnson will make the switch from tackle to guard this season. Chester, who started eight games at guard and only four games at center last season, will now permanently man the center position. On the offensive line, MT lost Isaiah Anderson, Patrick Hughes and Jonah Sells. Anderson, who was a Second Team All-C-USA selection and started all 12 games last season, was the most costly of those losses. Even with the loss of Anderson, though, the personnel that helped lead MT to the second highest yards per game on the ground in C-USA last season remains virtually the same. “My first year here we had a bunch of guys that played and we lost them all,” Wade said. “Last year was the year nobody really played, so it took us awhile to figure it out.” “I know we will build upon that.” As far as the tackle positions go, the Blue Raiders will now be leaning on redshirt freshman Carlos Johnson and redshirt junior Maurquice Shakir. Johnson took a redshirt in 2014, along with Shakir, who is a transfer from Santa Monica College. At the right guard position, junior Daniel Stephens will compete with redshirt senior Jaylen Hunter for the starting gig. Stephens started in ten games last season, playing on 760 snaps to rank fourth out of the offensive linemen. Hunter played in eight games, starting three of them, while playing 309 total snaps. “We have one goal and that’s to be the best,” Wade said. “We have enough depth to be that. My first year, two years ago, I thought we could take over games at times. Last year, I didn’t have that feeling one time. This year, I hope we have it again. Only time will tell.” Day Three Observations Following the third day of fall practice, here are a few observations that stood out as camp continues to move forward. - Players came out in shells for today’s practice and the physicality was there, even in helmets and shoulder pads. Players were going full speed for a majority of the day, culminating in a massive hit by T.T. Barber on Jordan Parker in 11-on-11 drills. The first day of full pads is still scheduled for Monday, and if Saturday afternoon’s practice is any indication, the physicality will definitely increase. - The offensive line came out, perhaps, with the most physicality. Josh Chester looked impressive during hip and hand drills. Overall, the offensive line held their blocks during 11-on-11 team drills, which led to some impressive runs by the running back group. - Quarterback-wise, Austin Grammer and Brent Stockstill each had a few miscues, but had good days. Grammer overthrew a few receivers that nearly turned into interceptions. Stockstill was the first out of the two quarterbacks to throw an interception, as defensive back Chris Brown made a great diving play to pick off Stockstill. - Richie James and Joc Bruce had solid days, showing off their footwork and route running during 1-on-1 drills. James made some nice moves in getting early separation, along with Bruce. Both receivers continue to improve their release, and the hands of both receivers continue to shine. |
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August 8th, 2015 OFF THE FIELD WITH JOSH CHESTER by Connor Grott (GBR Beat Writer) Q: What is your favorite Emoji? Why? A: Probably the smirk face. [Laughs …] I don’t know, it’s just the way you would add it to something to be, kind of, facetious about something. Q: Who is the most interesting person you follow on Twitter? Why? A: Oh, probably…that’s tough. I’d have to say Austin Grammer, just because he’s always tweeting about something. Or Alex Dale. Actually, make Austin second. Alex Dale is No. 1. He loves the sports quotes and everything, and just always gives his two cents about everything. Q: What’s the last movie you have seen in a theatre or at home? A: I just watched Ted the other night. I also watched Pirates of the Caribbean, the third one. Q: Who would you put on the cover of Madden? Why? A: You can’t go wrong with Andrew Luck. Definitely not Tom Brady now. [Laughs …] Yeah, probably Andrew Luck or Peyton [Manning] or some guy like that. Russell Wilson maybe, but definitely a QB though. Q: What is Coach Stockstill’s favorite saying? A: “Don’t be the guy running down the ramp, don’t be that guy.” Last minute like getting dressed in the locker room and about to come to meetings and stuff. Or the “YAW-YAW” speech. Q: What’s the “YAW-YAW” speech? A: “You Are Who You Associate With.” Yeah, that’s it. It’s usually the last day of camp when we get that speech. Q: If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? A: I would probably say my dad’s grilled pork chops, some green beans, mashed potatoes or baked potatoes depending on what starch you want in there. Macaroni and cheese, for sure. Q: What hidden talent do you have that few people know? A: I don’t know, what you see is what you get, I guess. [Laughs …] I can whistle really loud but I don’t ever do it, so. Q: What is your dream job and why? A: I want to own real estate and rent houses, like flip houses in the market or something like that. Like a sales kind of job. Just because the rental market is very strong right now. And it’s not an easy job, but at the same time it’s just a good way to make money depending on how many houses you have. Q: What is your favorite place in Murfreesboro? What is your favorite place on campus? A: Go-USA or going to the driving range and just hanging out. In Murfreesboro and on campus, we really just hang out at people’s houses a lot. Just playing video games or just catching up. Q: Who won the rap beef between Drake and Meek Mill? A: Drake, no question. [Laughs …] You just can’t go after Drake when you’re Meek Mill, that’s just not how it goes. |
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August 7th, 2015 DAY TWO OBSERVATIONS by Connor Grott (GBR Beat Writer) Following the second day of fall practice, here are five observations that stood out as camp continues to move forward. - Freshman receiver Joc Bruce took the practice field for the first time in his Blue Raider career Friday afternoon. Bruce transferred from Tennessee before fall camp began, and his skills were immediately showcased. Bruce did not take any snaps with Austin Grammer or Brent Stockstill, instead working with quarterbacks John Urzua and Nolan Genovese. One play saw the young wide out make a terrific one-handed catch over redshirt freshman linebacker Darius Harris. Bruce did make his fair share of mistakes though. At one point he lined up wrong, followed by an incorrect route on the next snap. Mistakes like that are typical on a player’s first day in a new offensive system. When Bruce can learn the playbook, his impact and role in the offense could expand. - Another newcomer had a solid day as junior defensive back Jeremy Cutrer made a number of impressive plays. Cutrer picked off quarterback John Urzua earlier in the practice after making a great move on the ball. The 6-foot-2 corner followed that up with a near interception of an overthrown Grammer pass that saw him use his athleticism on a diving play. Cutrer earned recognition by his teammates, including safety Kevin Byard, who said his play has been “impressive” the past couple of days. - Speaking of Byard, the redshirt senior’s play and unquestioned leadership is showing through in only the second day of camp. Byard was close to the action at all times during team drills and was vocal throughout the entire day, whether on the field or the sideline. With a group of cornerbacks consisting of extreme athleticism and talent but no leadership to this point, Byard has seemed to take on that leadership role more so than in previous years. - Offensively, the Blue Raiders had a good day but struggled with turnovers towards the end. Junior transfer Dontavious Heard forced a Jordan Parker fumble in the last round of team drills after Parker was running through a gap on the left side of the field. Senior linebacker James Roberson followed that with a forced fumble of his own after stripping Rod Ducksworth soon after making a reception. Individually speaking, Jevontey Smith had a great second day after displaying fluid footwork and hands. Earlier in the day, Smith ran a beautiful route that left senior cornerback Jared Singletary lying on the ground. - One of the bigger improvements for the Blue Raiders was inside the trenches. Senior Pat McNeil and the defensive line came out with a lot of energy during Friday’s practice, and it seemed to last for the duration . During a hands drill, McNeil struck the dummy hard enough to send his own mouthpiece flying across the field. Other players such as Chris Hale, Steven Rhodes and Peter Bailey showed off their explosiveness and strength throughout the day as well. |
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August 7th, 2015 PAT MCNEIL: FIVE YEARS IN THE MAKING by Connor Grott (GBR Beat Writer) Redshirt senior Patrick McNeil has come a long way since he began his Blue Raider career way back in 2010. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, McNeil played for Davidson High School, registering 90 tackles, five sacks, 13 tackles for loss and five pass breakups in his senior season. Following his final season at Davidson, McNeil decided to take his talents to MT, where he has become an unquestioned leader on the defensive side of the ball. Q: So, you’re from Mobile, Alabama. What made you choose MT way back in 2010? A: Oh, man. Coming out of high school I had certain offers, but those offers went away. Then, I took my visit out to MT and actually met with Coach Stockstill and saw the type of things they were doing on defense with Brandon Perry. The main thing that sold me was guys like Jimmy Staten and Jadarius Hamlin and Coach Stockstill, just giving me a good family feeling. Q: Now that was back in 2010, does it ever hit you about how long you’ve been here? A: Every day. Nobody is really here that I came in here with. I’m pretty much carrying the totem pole for my graduating class and all that. [Laughing while looking over at Kevin Byard…] I’m just trying to be successful for my guys and my teammates. Q: In 2010 and 2011, you suffered injuries that ended both of those seasons for you. What was it like having to battle through those injuries so early in your career? A: Especially that Achilles injury. It was something that really tested my faith and my mental toughness to come back from an injury of that magnitude. To come back and start and play for the team and give it my all, it was just a process…a learning process. Q: You’ve seen a lot of your teammates go on to play in the NFL. Is that still one of your main goals right now, and what are some of the adversities and challenges to get there? A: I mean, my main goal right now is to win games, be conference champions and go to a bowl game. I feel like if we do that, the rest of those things will take care of itself. Q: What has your relationship with Coach Stockstill been like since you arrived back in 2010? A: Coach Stock, man. He’s like my granddaddy, almost to me. [McNeil laughes…] Coach Stock and I have a real good relationship. Q: What about your relationships with coaches Tyrone Nix and Tommy West? A: Coach Nix, it’s family orientated. Coach Nix is like an uncle that’s at the cookout. [McNeil and Byard both laugh…] And Coach West is a real laid back, cool and down-to-earth coach that relates to the players. Q: Out of your MT career, which game or moment stands out the most? A: Game-wise, I’d have to say the Georgia Tech win. And moment, I would say the Western Kentucky game [in 2012] at the end, where we had a defensive stand to win the game. They were just high energy games. At Georgia Tech, no one thought we could do it. And against Western Kentucky, we were against the odds. The clock was running out and we’re about to lose the game and Reggie [Whatley] runs a kickoff back for a touchdown and then we have to make a defensive stand. Those are some of the best moments in football. Q: Your last regular season schedule at MT happens to be your hardest, does pressure start to creep in as a player? A: I feel like a mindset like that, where you start thinking like that, you kill the whole season. When you go in there confident and understand that these are the same guys you’ve been playing with in high school, we can compete on a level with anybody if we execute our calls and give 100 percent effort. Q: Being an upcoming fifth-year senior, how has it been coming into that leadership role this season? A: The past couple of years, it’s actually just realizing where I’m at on the team and the things that I do on the field. To just be a voice, a leader and companion to my teammates, especially the young guys and trying to help bring them along. Q: What are your expectations going into your final season at MT? A: I expect it to be the best season we’ve ever had at MT. |
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August 7th, 2015 OFF THE FIELD WITH JEREMIAH BRYSON Q: What is your favorite Emoji? Why? A: I like the smiley face that shows the teeth. I love to smile. Q: Who is the most interesting person you follow on Twitter? Why? A: Reggie Bush. He tweets with his daughter a lot which I like because I have a daughter, too. Q: What’s the last movie you have seen in a theatre? A: American Sniper. It was great. I loved everything about it. Q: Who would you put on the cover of Madden? Why? A: Reggie Bush Q: What is Coach Stockstill’s favorite saying? A: That depends. If I have my hat on backwards he always tells me I’m walking backwards. He knows I smile a lot so if I’m not smiling he’ll say “Get your country butt going!” Q: If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? A: Homemade tacos. Q: What hidden talent do you have that few people know? A: I’m like third in the nation in rock, paper, scissors. I just feel in my head like there’s only two people in the country better than me. Q: What is your dream job and why? A: Well if the NFL doesn’t work out I want to be a coach and be able to inspire kids. Q: What is your favorite place in Murfreesboro? What is your favorite place on campus? A: Mostly at my friends’ house. Usually with Shane (Tucker) and Jordan (Parker). On campus I’m going to have to go with the KUC (Keathley University Center). |
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August 6th, 2015 DAY ONE OBSERVATIONS by Connor Grott (GBR Beat Writer) Despite the inclement weather, Day One of MT’s fall camp has come and gone Thursday afternoon. Players and coaches took the field thirty minutes early at Floyd Stadium as fall practices got underway. Following the first day of fall practice, here are five observations that stood out as camp continues to move forward. - Austin Grammer and Brent Stockstill had great opening days, with neither throwing an interception in team drills. At Monday’s press conference, offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner said both quarterbacks had improved in areas that they were lacking in last year. Thursday’s practice certainly reflected that, as Grammer’s release looked more fluid while also showing good accuracy with some of his throws down the field. Stockstill flashed his progression in the weight room this past offseason, as he displayed great mobility in scrambling and moving around in the pocket. - MT tight end Terry Pettis earned the praise of Blue Raider head coach Rick Stockstill following the conclusion of practice. Pettis is making the transition from receiver to tight end over the course of this offseason. Pettis’ improvement was evident, especially with his hands. The 6-foot-5 redshirt junior dropped one or two passes and mixed in one bad route throughout the day, but otherwise had an impressive afternoon. Pettis showed great blocking technique and made some nice catches, including a 15-yard grab on the right sideline with a defender draped over him. Expectations for Pettis are high this coming season, and with his improvement over spring and summer workouts it is clear why. - MT’s group of young receivers did not have a spectacular day but the effort was there, according to Stockstill. Seniors Ed Batties and Christian Collis made some great catches to pace the group of young wide outs. Demetrius Frazier, Rod Ducksworth and Richie James flashed their athleticism as well, making a couple of good catches after beating defenders in team drills. MT receivers coach Kodi Burns said this group has a long way to go, but the group of receivers are responding well to his coaching and are extremely competitive. - The athleticism of the Blue Raiders’ secondary showed Thursday afternoon, with the group swarming to every pass or running play in team drills. Senior cornerback Jamarcus Howard had a great day in coverage, as he continues what has already been a terrific offseason for him. Junior cornerback Jeremy Cutrer, originally an LSU commit, showed his speed and awareness on a screen pass that saw the 6-foot-2 defensive back meet the ball carrier right after the completion. Much like MT’s group of receivers, the cornerback position will be searching for leadership throughout the remainder of camp. - The Blue Raider backfield continued to reinforce how deep it is following the first day of camp. Jordan Parker and Shane Tucker showed the agility and power that they presented in seasons past. Jeremiah Bryson displayed his speed and quick feet after a dump off pass resulted in him racing down the left sideline after juking out a defender in team drills. Freshmen Desmond Anderson, J’Vonte Herrod and Ruben Garnett got numerous reps as well, each showing off their skill sets that might lead to more playing time as the season opener approaches. |
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August 5th, 2015
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August 5th, 2015 105 REPORT TO CAMP Head Coach Rick Stockstill welcomed 105 veterans and newcomers Wednesday as the team officially reported for the start of fall drills. The first official practice is set for Thursday at 4:05 PM and is open to the public. "I thought we had a really good winter workout session prior to spring practice and we were able to accomplish a lot during the spring,” said Stockstill. “I have been really impressed with our guys on the way they have worked this offseason. I love the attitude and the character of this team. There are some guys that are really hungry. I think we have better leadership at every position than we did last year. I have some questions regarding the cornerback and wide receiver positions, so those two groups have to step up these next four weeks." The freshmen and transfers spent most of the day in academic orientation meetings Wednesday before taking photos and physicals early in the afternoon. Following a 5:15 PM dinner, Stockstill held a senior meeting at 6:45 PM, followed by a team meeting and breakout meetings for the offense and defense, before calling it a day. The NCAA's mandatory acclimatization period will begin with Thursday’s practice and will conclude with Monday’s drills, which will be the first full-padded practice. A total of 44 lettermen and 16 starters highlighted the list of players reporting to camp Wednesday. Offensively, the Blue Raiders have 18 lettermen and eight starters returning which includes quarterback Austin Grammer, running back Jordan Parker, receivers Ed Batties and Terry Pettis, and linemen Darius Johnson, Josh Chester, Jaylen Hunter and Daniel Stephens. Defensively, 23 letter winners and eight starters will be back for Coach Tyrone Nix. The returning starters are linebackers T.T. Barber and Trey Wafford, linemen Alexandro Antoine, Shaquille Huff and Pat McNeil, cornerback Jared Singletary and safeties Kevin Byard and Xavier Walker. Three players who did not go through spring practice or announced with the 2015 signing class were part of today’s 105. The new additions are defensive back Jeremy Cutrer, full back Corey McCarron, and long snapper John Ross Dewberry. Cutrer is a four-star recruit from Mississippi Gulf Coast who originally signed with LSU and will be eligible in 2015. McCarron, the younger brother of former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, graduated from UA in 2015 and will have one year to play for the Raiders. Dewberry is a walk-on from Siegel High School. The Blue Raiders had two veterans and three newcomers who will not be part of the 105 as they continue to rehab injuries. Wide receivers Isiah Upton and Terrelle West, defensive back Nick Beasley, defensive end Jahmal Jones and running back I’Tavius Mathers are all still working to come back from injuries. The Blue Raiders, who will host their annual Fan Day on August 16, will open the 2015 season at home against Jackson State, Sept. 5. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 PM CST. |
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August 4th, 2015 FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FOR AS FALL CAMP OPENS by Connor Grott (GBR Beat Writer) The start of the 2015 Blue Raider football season is inching closer following Monday's annual Kickoff Press Luncheon. MT Head Coach Rick Stockstill, along with his coordinators and student-athletes, took the podium before players report to camp on Wednesday, with the first fall practice taking place the next day. With the conclusion of Monday's press conference, here are the five key things to note heading into fall camp Thursday. Jason Spray and his staff have the team conditioned Many things can get overlooked as summer workouts transition into the beginning of fall camp. One thing that can't be looked over is the amount of work MT Head Football Strength Coach Jason Spray and his staff has put in to get the Blue Raiders prepared for fall camp and the regular season. "Nobody missed, we didn't have guys missing workouts," Stockstill said. "Jason and his staff do a phenomenal job. I think Jason is the best in the country, and I'm not saying that because he's here with us. He does a great job of relating to players and motivating players." Without question, one of the more important objectives of Spray's strenuous workouts is to limit injuries that can strike the team at any time. With the Blue Raiders' schedule being as tough as it is, the players will need to be equally as strong and conditioned. The improvements in the weight room are something that Stockstill has noticed about his team as camp approaches. "Our guys are in great shape and it's also a credit to our players and how hard they worked," Stockstill said. Wide receiver group looking for leadership MT saw three receivers graduate last year in Devin Clarke, Marcus Henry and Chris Perkins. Replacing the losses of those players will be upcoming redshirt seniors Ed Batties and Christian Collis. Batties comes into his final year at MT after a stellar 2014 campaign in which he nabbed 45 receptions for 474 yards and three touchdowns. Collis saw himself in a more limited role in 2014 but still played in 11 games, three of which he started. Collis finished with 13 catches, 79 yards and a touchdown in his junior season. Even with the return of Batties and Collis, Stockstill is still searching for leadership out of this group. "We have two seniors at the position and some have played a little bit and some haven't played at all," Stockstill said of his receivers. "If you asked me today who the leader of the receiver group was, I would tell you that we don't have one. Somebody has to step up whether it's a senior or a freshman. We have to develop leadership in that group." New receivers coach Kodi Burns joins the MT coaching staff this season in an effort to develop that desired leadership. Burns was a former Auburn quarterback and wide receiver from 2007 to 2010, and was most recently the running backs coach at Samford. The addition of Burns has proven to be a smooth transition between the players, and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. "He has definitely brought new ideas and positive energy," Faulkner said. "Schematically, we're going to sit down and game plan together, but he's got some great ideas in the running game and the passing game and we'll definitely incorporate some of those things into what we do and we're glad to have him." Burns will certainly look to use all available weapons, with receivers Demetrius Frazier, Derek Barnes, Richie James and Rod Ducksworth looking to become key playmakers in the 2015 season to help complement Batties and Collis. Depth at running back is plentiful One certainty heading into fall practice is the amount of leadership and depth at the running back position. MT returns the three-headed attack of Jeremiah Bryson, Jordan Parker and Shane Tucker. Coupled with that trio is redshirt sophomore Kamani Thomas and touted freshmen J'Vonte Herrod and Ruben Garnett. "We have seven guys on scholarship and I feel like all seven of them are pretty good," Faulkner said. "Some of them are bigger and more physical and some of them are smaller and quicker, so each of them has a skill set we want to try to take advantage of." The main challenge surrounding this group is how to get everyone their touches, something that Faulkner has proven to do well in previous seasons. "I think you'll see some two-back sets to make sure those guys are on the field," Faulkner said. "Any one of them can run any play in our playbook; the biggest challenge is making sure some of those guys get 'X' amount of touches. I think we've done a good job of that in the past and you will continue to see several guys get to play back there." Quarterback battle will remain competitive throughout camp Coming into the first fall practice Thursday, the quarterback battle between redshirt junior Austin Grammer and redshirt freshman Brent Stockstill will begin its early stages in what may prove to be another long process of naming a starter. Both signal callers have made significant strides over the course of the offseason. Grammer has continued to improve his release mechanics, and Stockstill has done a phenomenal job in the weight room to increase his mobility, Faulkner said. Grammer started all 12 games last season, completing 221 of his 338 pass attempts for 2,557 yards and 17 touchdowns. Stockstill saw action in the season opener before taking a redshirt for the 2014 season. "They are both highly intelligent kids and they take everything to heart," Faulkner said of the two quarterbacks. "They are very competitive, tough kids which is the kind of kids you want to coach." Coach Stockstill stated that he was in no hurry to name his opening day starter, but that he was more confident in the quarterback position this year compared to last season. Team focus is on camp, not on upcoming schedule When asked if any of the players were looking forward to games against SEC foes Alabama or Vanderbilt, one response was instantaneous. "No, not at all," senior linebacker T.T. Barber said. "It's really mind over matter. They put on their pads the same way we do, they're the same human beings as we are." Responses like that were common between the four student-athletes at the podium: Barber, Darius Johnson, Kevin Byard and Josh Chester. As the Blue Raiders prepare for one of their hardest schedules in recent years, it might be easy to overlook an opponent such as MT's opening day foe, Jackson State. The excitement is still there for those games though, especially for Byard. "It's an opportunity for Middle Tennessee to get some national attention by winning those games and it's also going to make you work harder and go the extra mile in practice," Byard said. "It's hard not to get excited when you look at the schedule, but we have to beat Jackson State before we get to Alabama. We have one of the hardest schedules in Conference USA, if not the country." Even with the excitement surrounding the upcoming schedule, Johnson emphasized a key point that was shared with the entire team headed into fall camp. "One thing that Coach Stock always tells us is ignore the noise," Johnson said. "Ignore the Alabama talk, the Illinois talk, the Vandy talk. We have to focus on camp and then when camp is over we'll attack Jackson State. We just have to take it day-by-day."
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