Tonight was my first practice back with the team after spending about 10 days at a multimedia and online workshop.

I heard the offense performed pretty badly during the fall scrimmage, but the group had a little better luck today. There were still some mistakes, but we're not talking about Donovan Porterie forgetting how to throw or anything that drastic. UNM coach Rocky Long said he wasn't happy with the offense, but he also wasn't ecstatic about the defense. He said he didn't think either unit played with the type of energy he needs out of the team -- and he wasn't accepting blistering heat as an excuse. While he said the offensive line provided good protection, he noted the defense wasn't blitzing.

Like I said, I don't think the sky is falling. And I don't think the defense is unbelievable. It really won't be sorted out until we see the Lobos play a few games.

Ivan Hernandez returned to full pads practice today after missing several workouts with a torn medial collateral ligament. Head trainer Dave Binder said Hernandez should have no problem playing with the injury. Ian Clark, who dislocated his shoulder, was cleared to jog and Binder said Clark should be cleared to practice in a few days.

The walk-ons still have to get academic clearance, physicals and prove they are in good enough shape physically not to get hurt during workouts.

That's all for now but look for more football coverage in Tuesday's Trib. We will continue our series on former Lobos and Albuquerque area athletes in their rookie seasons with the NFL. The next player featured in the series is DonTrell Moore.

Posted by ilimon at 09:44 PM | Permalink