Spring in the sports world isn’t typically associated with the gridiron. However, while baseball is rearing up and hockey is entering its final phases, football, at least college football, is in the midst of spring games.
Tulane football’s annual springtime scrimmage is on tap this upcoming Saturday, and just like the rest of this offseason in New Orleans, there’s a few things that could be interesting to watch.
Quarterback play will be under the microscope
Tanner Lee’s departure to Nebraska earlier this year left new coach Willie Fritz with the task of replacing one of the team’s most important positions. Look for quarterback prospects to treat the spring game like a regular season contest in terms of their intensity, command of the huddle, and all-around play in the hopes of earning that starting job come September.
Darius Bradwell, one of the Green Wave’s options, is a dual-threat style of quarterback. Expect to see a balanced number of keepers and passes from the freshman on Saturday.
Another freshman prospect that will be taking snaps is Jonathan Brantley. Although he isn’t as mobile as Bradwell, Brantley has the arm to possibly earn himself a starting job. He will undoubtedly attempt at least a few big passes during Tulane’s spring game.
The coaching staff is trying to implement its “style”
Any great football team has a style of play that it’s known for. When Fritz came to the Big Easy the side effect was a revamped coaching staff. Thus, Tulane’s brand of football is completely up in the air at the moment.
When the scrimmage rolls around on Saturday, anticipate the coaches to experiment with their players and their abilities. Play-calling could very easily be abnormal compared to what Wave fans saw a year ago. Don’t be surprised if the offense, defense, and special teams all seem more aggressive.
Receivers are still finding themselves within the offense
The quarterback position wasn’t the only one left vacant by transfers after the 2015 season. Devon Breaux and Teddy Veal, two of Tulane’s star wideouts, left the team and, coincidentally, big shoes to fill. A receiving corps that is very young is what the Green Wave will need to fill shoes.
Growing pains always seem to plague up-and-coming players and don’t expect things to be any different for these Tulane receivers. The spring game could feature its fair share of misran routes and dropped passes. It’s all part of grinding through the inevitable learning process that these young players endure.
The secondary could be hit-and (or)-miss
Like the receivers they will face on Saturday, Tulane’s defensive backs are young and relatively inexperienced. Just as often as dropped passes make their appearance next weekend, blown coverages are a possibility too.
Touchdowns may come more easily through the air and turnovers could be at a premium. However, don’t be completely shocked if this young secondary puts up something for the highlight reel either. This is perhaps one of Tulane’s biggest question marks at the moment.
Running backs are trying to maintain consistency
Last season, the Green Wave’s ground game was easily its strongest point. Amidst a season of team wide disappointment, the running backs did their part. They know that moving forward they will have to continue to do so.
Look for the backs to carry much of the offensive load on Saturday. Fritz knows that the best way to take some pressure off the young receiving corps is to pound the rock. Practice at that will be in abundance during the spring game. Both Tulane squads could easily put up more rushing yards than passing.
It is very possible that the spring game could have its ugly moments. Fans shouldn’t fret too much, though, as this is not only the closest thing players and coaches have to game-like experience so far in 2016 but young, inexperienced players riddle the roster. There’s bound to be a few kinks but it’s better to work them out now than have to deal with them in games that go towards the team’s record.
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