 |
Brad Cox/News-Sun
Hobbs' Brandon Amaya runs with the ball during the
Eagles' spring practice Thursday at Watson Stadium.
|
There was plenty of enthusiasm from the Eagles as they played in front of a few hundred people in attendance. First-year coach Charles Gleghorn signaled the offense, testing the Eagles' knowledge of his no-huddle spread attack, while defensive coordinator Mike Felicetti signaled from the sidelines the defensive calls.
Hobbs had bright spots, particularly Brayden Price guiding his offense down the field for a score during the first possession of the scrimmage – going 3-for-5 passing and tossing a beautiful 30-yard slant down the middle for a touchdown. Price has the tools to have a break-out senior season, including a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his feet. It should be interesting to see how he grows under the coaching of Gleghorn – whose quarterbacks have put up huge numbers over the years.
But there is obviously work still to be done – expected considering the players haven't had a lot of time to pick up the system. Gleghorn told me the best thing the players can do is be patient because it's going to take time.
On a side note, Hobbs should get some help in the backfield with Texas-transfer Brandon Amaya. The sophomore started this season playing for Texas Class 4A Corpus Christi Ray High School where he rushed for 346 yards and two scores on 67 carries (5.2 yards per carry) in six games.
Amaya ran for the Hobbs track team in the spring and had a personal-best 11.18 seconds in the 100-meter dash at a meet in Clovis.
Amaya should give Hobbs a solid one-two punch with Donavon Fierro in the backfield – both capable of catching balls out of the backfield as well as giving the Eagles a rushing threat in Gleghorn's spread offense.
