Offensive line starts fast in El Dorado's football practices

El Dorado’s football team concluded a busy week of practice with picture day on Friday. The Wildcats donned the pads and made full contact for the first time on Monday. Coach Steven Jones termed the hitting this week at a “thud tempo,” meaning it was full speed but there was no tackling all the way to the ground.

“It went pretty good. We had a great week of practice,” Jones said on Friday. “We were able to do some full contact and were able to see a little more who can play and who can’t. The big take away from this week was our offensive and defensive lines held their own this week. I’d say so far after the first two weeks of practice, our offensive line is probably the most improved group from start to finish.”

Once they put on shoulder pads, the focus was going to be on the interior of the offense and defense with inside drills, blocking and shedding blocks. Jones said the offensive line came out of its stance quickly.

“They’re getting a lot better at pass protection, understanding what we’re doing and also working together in the run game, making sure we get everybody in the box accounted for,” he said.

“Defensive line is starting to show a little bit of depth. We had four or five guys we can throw out there in that three front. It’s good to have depth at that spot.”

The Wildcats looked at the passing game during the first week. This week focused more on running the ball and stopping the run. Jones said players stepped to the forefront in both areas.

“At linebacker, we’re looking to see who’s going to step up at one of those spots. Jyrin Steward and Patrick Sixbey have pretty well made a statement. I expect those guys to be starters on Friday night,” he said.

“Brandon Moore has taken most of the first team reps at running back. I’ve been very impressed with (sophomore) Jeremiah Crosby, a transfer from Houston, and also (sophomore) Curtis Jefferson. He’s looked good at running back.

“We continue to have guys step up and make plays at wideout. I could rattle off a lot of guys. Two guys who had a good week this week were James Hartsfield and Xzaveon Dismuke. They’re seniors who’ve really had to fight and battle with young guys pushing them for spots. Those two guys have stepped up and done a good job this week.”

Jones said, returning starter Eli Shepherd also made strides at quarterback over the summer.

“Eli Shepherd has improved, probably more than any guy we have in the off-season. He’s gained almost 20 pounds. He’s going to be playing at about 170, which is good. That was an area he needed to improve on.”

The coach also singled out the play of junior Connor Black, who moved from safety to receiver. Black has moved to the front of the line as deep snapper for punts.

“He’s a hard worker and understands what we’re doing. He’s done a good job,” said Jones. “He’s been real consistent on deep snapping for punts, which was one of our Achilles’ Heels last year.”

Junior corner Mario Ganter is expected to be a defensive leader and has emerged in that area so far.

“He’s really lived up to the hype so far. He’s done a great job, becoming more physical. He looks like a college prospect at cornerback,” said Jones.

El Dorado’s benefit game will be on Aug. 28. The Purple-White scrimmage is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 21.

“Right now, we’re waiting on the Department of Health to O.K., the intrasquad scrimmage,” Jones said.

El Dorado's roster is currently at 95 players.

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