Overview
- The first full practice open to media on Saturday highlighted Terry Bussey’s one‑handed catches and rising role as Marcel Reed showed early on‑field chemistry with transfer Isaiah Horton.
- Teammates say Reed has been more poised and has improved how he talks to receivers, a change aimed at cutting down forced throws into coverage.
- Defensive backs under coordinator Lyle Hemphill are doing 25‑catch jugs‑machine reps before practice to improve ball skills and increase the team’s low interception total from last season.
- The offense still faces questions at the line of scrimmage after losing four starters to the NFL, so coaches are testing a mix of transfers and returning players for starting spots.
- With camp progressing toward the season opener, the combination of a deep NFL‑level receiver rotation, Reed’s developing leadership and defensive turnover work will shape early depth charts and Holmon Wiggins’ play‑calling.