Move in week is well underway and the area around campus is riddled with stressed out and or excited students and parents, double parked vans, moving trucks, and hazard blinkers galore. On the field during period 1, a few offensive lineman aren’t out there.
Period 1 stretching gives way to period 2 drills. On the southern end of the field, Carson Perry-Smith, Anthony League, Trevor Rogers and others field flies and grounders for special teams before horns whistles and every other manner of alert goes off at once, and Tosh’s voice cuts above the field, it’s time to drop everything and hit 11 on 11 short yardage and 2 point drills.
“Gold O Gold D how fast can we get it in short yardage, game on the line.” is repeated over and over as players rush into position. Crowd noise suddenly floods the stadium at top volume. Oregon transfer Cooper Perry makes a leaping end zone catch, bringing down a high ball from a Jackson Brousseau rep. Immediately it’s on to the 2 point conversion. Wideout Meyer Swinney pulls in a quick crosser to convert then they reset at the 10. Returning TE Mason Mini grabs that dart in the back of the endzone, and just like that’s it’s back to Independent drills. Tosh is back on the PA. “Toro toro toro ..why are we celebrating… toro toro toro.”
Coach Lupoi turns his attention to the defensive line, who are drilling near the end zone from the break out short yardage plays a second beforehand. Redshirt sophomore Legend Journey attacks the drill with extreme violence that is contagious. BJ Canady follows him directly in the drill and brings similar intensity. Lupoi does not supplant the position coach, but his presence enhances the drill. He is specific regarding technique and body angle, but insistent on violence.
After practice, both line coaches have media availability. Both Darrion Daniels and Famika Anae reference the young players helping set a standard and vice versa. The new five year eligibility rule means they don’t have to be shy about adding freshman into the rotation, and could eye young guys taking the field at game 10, 11, 12. Both line coaches view this with excitement.
Defensive Line/Pass Rush Specialist Darrion Daniels is a former player who played back at Oklahoma State and Nebraska before joining Oregon’s staff, leading up to his role at Cal. Daniels had words of praise for the play of Solomon Williams and Ashun Sheppard. Derek Wilkins also received praise; “Even though his plays aren’t the flashiest he’s probably one of our most reliable players.”
On the O line things are coming along for second-year coach Famikae Anae. He was particularly pleased to share Bastian Sweeney’s progress. “Can’t say enough about that kid. When we started our journey together last year, things were not going his way. But I think he’s found a new love for football because of how his mind has persevered, i think it’s unlocked a new level to him, and what he’s been doing for our unit and our team, has been really rewarding to watch.”
It’s almost all football at CMS, but it’s back to school for students of all ages. Anae and the rest of the staff were encouraged to make room for that, and got to meet those mile markers with their families. “I appreciate the head coach being mindful of his guys. It wasn’t mandated but (Tosh Lupoi) made it very clear, take your kids to school. For me that’s extremely meaningful…to have a head coach treat his staff that way is invigorating.”
Okay, as a certified sunshine pumper, for the past ~17 years I’ve gotten too excited at JUST this time of year for football to start, only to have my hopes and dreams dashed like a small boat against the cliffs of insanity….. But THIS year my (over) excitement seems a bit more justified, which is sorta what I tell myself every year.
For now, it’s gonna be a great year. C’mon in fellas, the water is fine!
Beautifully written.