Training Camp Wrap-Up, Duke Week Ahead

BY JAKE WEINSTOCK

The "training camp" portion of August practices has come to a close, and the Green Wave are no in their two-week preparation period for the season opener next Saturday, September 5, in Durham, North Carolina against the reigning ACC champion Duke Blue Devils.

As a bit of a refresher, on Monday of this week, the Green Wave released their first depth chart of the season, which can be seen below:

The Green Wave offense and defense are now working against what they anticipate they'll see schematically from the Blue Devils, next weekend. The energy has remained high, and certain performers stood out on Wednesday.

Starting quarterback Zeon Chriss-Gremillion had one of his best days of camp. There was less hesiation at the top of his drops than multiple observers had noted at various points in August and he hit on several explosive deep throws. Perhaps the competition ending and allowing him to soak up all of the first-team reps has been a positive for him and his growth in this offense with these surrounding pieces. Time will tell.

Jah'Rie Garner has been named the starting Bandit, but Nik Alston had one of his best days of August, as well. He was fast and disruptive off the edge, and has really started to come into his own following moving positions, in Jordan McAlister's absence.

Also of note, after a shaky scrimmage, punter William Hudlow has rebounded this week, and is in prime position to succeed, following the departure of Alec Clark.

Of the position battles that remain open, the one most of note to me is that of the Spear position, which is the term for slot corner in Tulane's defense. It still appears wide open between incoming transfer Kajuan Banks (from USF) and returner TJ Smith, both of whom have put together strong performances this week. I will be fascinated to see which one ends up taking the field next Saturday afternoon, but they will both play plenty of snaps this season, I am sure.

The Green Wave will be in their indoor practice facility (the new bubble on Claiborne Avenue), this morning, with this torrential downpour, for a 90-minute session. The focus this week and next is keeping bodies fresh, keeping players from hitting the ground, and getting mentally ready and prepared to take on an ACC opponent on the road, in just nine days time.