Post by Washington Insiders on Apr 6, 2020 12:02:25 GMT -5
WASHINGTON, DC - Observers of the DC Conspiracy's training camp have noted all the same thing about practices; they are full of energy. They also noticed that this team, one which has in the past come close to championship glory on a couple of occasions, has never looked better. Of course, after this year's tumultuous offseason which saw multiple talented teams (including the most recent OIFLCup winners) leave the league, many teams can say the same. However, looking up and down the roster it is hard not to get excited for the possibilities, and the team is feeling the same way.
Watching the WRDB group, the level of competition was noticably intense; while Kevin Sherman is undoubtedly the top guy on the depth chart behind him was a logjam. Returning starter Rasheide Benefield was rewarded for a career season with an infusion of competition gunning for his spot. While Achilles Byron and Alex Emmons were both allowed to move on this off-season, they were replaced by newcomers Malcolm Grant and former All-Star Zach Degan. Lonnie Roberts- who lost his starting job when Sherman was brought in- and the re-signed Ron Evers were also nipping at his heels. Fortunately, the competition seems to brought out the best in the group. Everyone is looking at the top of their game and stepped up. In this year's offseason tournament everyone is looking forward to see who starts alongside Sherman, but according to Sherman it doesn't matter.
"What's been obvious this camp is that the coaches are as aware as we are about how we can play." Sherman commented after practice concluded. "I can tell, these guys have all pushed me. We are six deep in talent which can own the field as far as I'm concerned. I hope the coaches get us all on the field. Heck, even our really young guys stepped up. They got some growing to do yet, but they've had a good growth spurt this camp."
During open team drills, DC tried several combinations out and consistently rotated their top six receivers through the lineup. Sherman showed off speed which somehow continues to improve with age, impressively Benefield was just a hair behind him, looking much faster and motivated to join the "elite" status others enjoy around the league. Degan was widely held in that status. Age has begun to catch him, but he showed he could keep up, and his coverage skills were looking sharp by the end of camp. Roberts however showed him, demonstrating a solid improvement in that facet of his game. Evers has also struggled in coverage in the past, but impressively responded to his new contract by closing the gap.
"While I love the guys here, the coaches, the city, let's be real I'm a professional and I want to play," according to Evers in a pre-practice interview. "Now I almost left because of the depth chart; they convinced me to come back but it's obvious that I need to earn my time on the field with this group around me. I intend to do that."
The young guys, Gary Chitwood and Ad Wittemann also both made some big strides in pass coverage, along with running and catching the ball. Interestingly, Wittemann was also spotted in camp taking some snaps out of the backfield. With legendary RBLB Corey Palso getting up there in age there's been speculation among insiders that he may be eyed for a transition to RB someday. Wittemann however dismissed the notion.
"Imma ball player first, but a receiver 2nd. The backfield work is just part of my repetoir" according to Wittemann's official Twitter account.
With the OIFL's offseason tournament about to get underway, many expect to see all of these guys get some chances to show what they can do, with the first chance coming against perennial contender Texas. Whatever happens, expect them to play with a lot of energy.
Watching the WRDB group, the level of competition was noticably intense; while Kevin Sherman is undoubtedly the top guy on the depth chart behind him was a logjam. Returning starter Rasheide Benefield was rewarded for a career season with an infusion of competition gunning for his spot. While Achilles Byron and Alex Emmons were both allowed to move on this off-season, they were replaced by newcomers Malcolm Grant and former All-Star Zach Degan. Lonnie Roberts- who lost his starting job when Sherman was brought in- and the re-signed Ron Evers were also nipping at his heels. Fortunately, the competition seems to brought out the best in the group. Everyone is looking at the top of their game and stepped up. In this year's offseason tournament everyone is looking forward to see who starts alongside Sherman, but according to Sherman it doesn't matter.
"What's been obvious this camp is that the coaches are as aware as we are about how we can play." Sherman commented after practice concluded. "I can tell, these guys have all pushed me. We are six deep in talent which can own the field as far as I'm concerned. I hope the coaches get us all on the field. Heck, even our really young guys stepped up. They got some growing to do yet, but they've had a good growth spurt this camp."
During open team drills, DC tried several combinations out and consistently rotated their top six receivers through the lineup. Sherman showed off speed which somehow continues to improve with age, impressively Benefield was just a hair behind him, looking much faster and motivated to join the "elite" status others enjoy around the league. Degan was widely held in that status. Age has begun to catch him, but he showed he could keep up, and his coverage skills were looking sharp by the end of camp. Roberts however showed him, demonstrating a solid improvement in that facet of his game. Evers has also struggled in coverage in the past, but impressively responded to his new contract by closing the gap.
"While I love the guys here, the coaches, the city, let's be real I'm a professional and I want to play," according to Evers in a pre-practice interview. "Now I almost left because of the depth chart; they convinced me to come back but it's obvious that I need to earn my time on the field with this group around me. I intend to do that."
The young guys, Gary Chitwood and Ad Wittemann also both made some big strides in pass coverage, along with running and catching the ball. Interestingly, Wittemann was also spotted in camp taking some snaps out of the backfield. With legendary RBLB Corey Palso getting up there in age there's been speculation among insiders that he may be eyed for a transition to RB someday. Wittemann however dismissed the notion.
"Imma ball player first, but a receiver 2nd. The backfield work is just part of my repetoir" according to Wittemann's official Twitter account.
With the OIFL's offseason tournament about to get underway, many expect to see all of these guys get some chances to show what they can do, with the first chance coming against perennial contender Texas. Whatever happens, expect them to play with a lot of energy.