Offense, backups heat up late on a Blue-White day
The annual spring scrimmage featuring one of the hottest offenses in the nation was full of near-misses.
The defense ruled the day early during Saturday's Blue-White Game, played on a dismal afternoon that felt more like November.
Of course, these types of affairs only mean so much when it comes to predicting future successes, whether by player, unit or team. For instance, Saquon Barkley, maybe the nation's top tailback, didn't play a single snap. Why expose him to any type of injury?
Same for tackle-leader Marcus Allen and star middle linebacker Jason Cabinda on defense.
Trace McSorley did play the entire first half for the starters in Blue. His timing looked off with receivers and he threw one interception and nearly another. So be it. He ran well and his arm looked fine — and that's all that really matters for the top returning quarterback in the Big Ten.
This kind of day does matter more for the up-and-coming players and everyone fighting for notice and attention in front of about 60,000 fans. Here are three developing storylines worth following heading into the summer.
By the way, the Blue starters beat the White squad, 26-0.
Trio of receivers make a splash
As expected, 6-foot-4 sophomore Juwan Johnson was targeted early and often and was sure-handed from sideline to sideline. He was named the team's most improved offensive player this spring.
He appears to have passed fellow 6-4 wideout Irv Charles as the lead to take over the big-play, No. 1 receiver spot. Johnson put an exclamation point on an impressive day with a stretching touchdown grab on the final play of the scrimmage.
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Meanwhile, junior DeAndre Thompkins hauled in the longest pass play of the day, a well-thrown 50-yard bomb from Tommy Stevens in the third quarter. Thompkins caught the ball over the shoulder and on his fingertips during a full-out sprint. He figures to be a top threat this fall, short and deep, after fading in the second half last season with injuries and inconsistency.
Then there was tight end Jon Holland, who has the backup tight end spot nailed down for now. He made five catches in the first half for 42 yards, including a sliding grab over the middle. He received praise for his blocking, too, from starter Mike Gesicki.
Tommy Stevens continues progress
The sophomore looked in full command of the offense when he finally got his looks in the second half.
He threw the day's best long pass, that perfect heave down the right side of the field to Thompkins. He also came back in the fourth quarter with a nice 31-yard scoring strike to Brandon Polk. He looked calm and confident, especially on routine plays, like that swing pass to tailback Andre Robinson for a short touchdown.
He threw three touchdowns in all.
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Defensive back duo steps up
The Lions need another cornerback and safety to step up this fall.
At least on this day they got that from redshirt sophomore safety Ayron Monroe and redshirt freshman cornerback T.J. Johnson.
But Monroe guarded the team's top receivers well throughout. He made one interception and nearly had another.
Johnson made four tackles, 1.5 behind scrimmage, in the first half. Then he picked off an errant running back-option pass early in the third quarter.
Monroe is gunning for big playing time with that open starting spot alongside Allen. Johnson may help fill a need with the Lions possibly missing standout cornerback John Reid in 2017 with a significant knee injury.