North Dakota State opened fall camp Monday morning for the 2016 season, one of just four teams to start practice, joining opponent Charleston Southern and of course Hawaii and California, who will play in Australia the night before the Bison season opener. I will not be able to attend every Bison practice during fall camp, I never have with our high school football coverage also ramping up next week, but will go as much as time allows for it. Just some summations from what I got a chance to see today (which was about six periods of practice, roughly 30 minutes):
- Easton Stick looks bigger. He’s now listed as 6’2, 222 pounds and he’s all of that. Certainly seemed like the leader he is on the field today, asked him if it’s different without number 11 over his shoulder. Said “A little bit, but we had the spring and summer without him (Wentz) and he’s moved on and so have we.” Really interested to see how Stick progresses this fall and how Tim Polasek opens up the playbook as the season unfolds.
- I tweeted this earlier that the running backs look next level. King Frazier, Chase Morlock, Lance Dunn and Bruce Anderson all look like they’re ready to roll. Anderson has switched numbers to 8 now and gained some weight. Expect bigger things out of this group in 2016.
- The offensive line appears to have some great depth. Three starters return with Zack Johnson (named a preseason All-American Monday), Austin Kuhnert (who missed practice, finishing a class) and Landon Lechler. Didn’t spend a ton of time watching this group, but will going forward as the battle for the starting left tackle spot emerges.
- Wide receivers and tight end groups have a ton of players there, but curious to see who steps up. Forgotten in the wide receiver mix is redshirt freshman Marquise Bridges, I was watching him and Sean Engel today, I think each will be given every opportunity to backup RJ Urzendowski and Darrius Shepherd. Connor Wentz and Jeff Illies were rotating reps with the number 1’s when I was there, each I think could have big seasons.
- I didn’t get to spend a ton of time watching the defense as I was focused on watching the offense, will be back up later this week to offer some thoughts on that.
- ICYMI, my season previews with Chris Klieman you can watch here and here.
- As mentioned earlier, Zack Johnson was selected to the STATS FCS Preseason All-American 1st team, Nick DeLuca joined him on the first team. Greg Menard was chosen for the 2nd team and long snapper James Fisher made the third team. Tomorrow the Missouri Valley unveils its preseason poll and all-conference team, I’ll post them tomorrow.
- Lastly, one other player besides Kuhnert is cornerback Felix Dixon, who is nursing a foot injury.