Candle saw progress in Rockets spring work
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Rockets recently wrapped up their spring practice season with their final intrasquad scrimmage at the Glass Bowl. The 90-minute scrimmage was the last of 15 practices for the squad over the past month-and-a-half. Head Coach Jason Candle said he was pleased with his team's performance and with its progress overall this spring.
"This is a culmination of five really strong weeks of diligent work," said Candle. "This is the first time some of our young guys – early enrollees, transfers – have been out in this stadium in front of fans in not ideal weather conditions. We'll watch the tape and take the next steps in the evaluation process and see how that leads us into a strong summer.
"We've had five really good weeks. We had a week before spring break, were off for a week, and then we've been going strong for four weeks. It's been a long haul, but I think the guys have done a good job in handling some of the detail things we've been emphasizing."
Sophomore quarterback Dequan Finn looked sharp, as did redshirt freshman Tucker Gleason, in the team's scrimmage finale. Unofficially, Finn completed 12-of-19 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. He completed his final eight throws on the day. Gleason was 5-of-13 for 79 yards with TD passes of 25 and 23 yards on his final two throws of the day.
"Both guys have had good springs," Candle said of Finn and Gleason. "We haven't been outside much this spring so dealing with the elements was another good test for these guys. I think they're starting to develop some good chemistry with the receivers."
Senior Matt Landers led all receivers with four catches for 50 yards and one TD. Sophomore Demeer Blankumsee had three receptions, including a 46-yard scoring grab from Finn. Redshirt freshman Thomas Zsiros also had three catches for 63 yards and a pair of TDs from Gleason.
Sophomore Micah Kelly led all rushers with 24 yards on four carries. Sophomore Jacquez Stuart, redshirt freshman Willie Shaw III, sophomore Jordan Lowe and sophomore transfer Peny Boone had the bulk of the rest of the carries.
The defensive highlights included a 90-yard interception return by sophomore cornerback Ronald Delancy III. Redshirt freshman safety Jaylin Mines and redshirt freshman linebacker Damon Ollison II also had picks.
"This is a culmination of five really strong weeks of diligent work," said Candle. "This is the first time some of our young guys – early enrollees, transfers – have been out in this stadium in front of fans in not ideal weather conditions. We'll watch the tape and take the next steps in the evaluation process and see how that leads us into a strong summer.
"We've had five really good weeks. We had a week before spring break, were off for a week, and then we've been going strong for four weeks. It's been a long haul, but I think the guys have done a good job in handling some of the detail things we've been emphasizing."
Sophomore quarterback Dequan Finn looked sharp, as did redshirt freshman Tucker Gleason, in the team's scrimmage finale. Unofficially, Finn completed 12-of-19 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. He completed his final eight throws on the day. Gleason was 5-of-13 for 79 yards with TD passes of 25 and 23 yards on his final two throws of the day.
"Both guys have had good springs," Candle said of Finn and Gleason. "We haven't been outside much this spring so dealing with the elements was another good test for these guys. I think they're starting to develop some good chemistry with the receivers."
Senior Matt Landers led all receivers with four catches for 50 yards and one TD. Sophomore Demeer Blankumsee had three receptions, including a 46-yard scoring grab from Finn. Redshirt freshman Thomas Zsiros also had three catches for 63 yards and a pair of TDs from Gleason.
Sophomore Micah Kelly led all rushers with 24 yards on four carries. Sophomore Jacquez Stuart, redshirt freshman Willie Shaw III, sophomore Jordan Lowe and sophomore transfer Peny Boone had the bulk of the rest of the carries.
The defensive highlights included a 90-yard interception return by sophomore cornerback Ronald Delancy III. Redshirt freshman safety Jaylin Mines and redshirt freshman linebacker Damon Ollison II also had picks.
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