Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Football camp notebook -- Day Two
08/10/2015 | 12:00:00 | Football
By Tom Weber
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Under overcast skies at Saluki Stadium, the Saluki Football team held its second practice of training camp. Although the team won't wear full pads until Thursday, there were some lively exchanges.
1. Fifth-year senior Mark Iannotti took the first-team reps at quarterback today and Coach Lennon said he's the starter as of now. With a 5-5 record in 10 starts last year and a solid spring season, Iannotti deserves to be the front runner.
2. Iannotti will be pushed by redshirt freshman Sam Straub, who took second-team reps today. Straub has a powerful arm, easily the strongest of the five QBs in camp. He makes difficult sideline throws from the opposite hashmark look easy, and you can't overlook his natural throwing ability. The biggest strike against him is lack of game experience.
3. The wildcard at quarterback is Northern Illinois transfer Matt McIntosh. He won the Huskies' QB battle last fall and started the first two games, including the game at Northwestern. The brother of former Saluki signal caller Paul McIntosh lost his starting job, got hurt, and was eventually moved to safety. Like his brother, he is an above average athlete with excellent intangibles.
4. Redshirt freshman QB Matt DeSomer does not appear to be in the mix for the starting job. Still, he will definitely see playing time at one of the skill positions. The elusiveness and play-making ability he demonstrated during spring ball could fit nicely at wide receiver or in a package of plays at quarterback designed to fit his skill set.
5. The Salukis have a hole at left tackle after projected starter Kijana Evans transferred this summer. Austin Olsen worked with the starters today. The third-year sophomore is an above average athlete who has added weight to his frame each year and checks in at 6-5, 292 pounds.
6. It will be interesting to see how Iowa transfer Reid Sealby fits in on the offensive line. He was a scholarship player but did not play a single snap in three years for the Hawkeyes -- a program known for churning out pro linemen year after year. SIU's offensive line did some live work today and Sealby impressed, prompting O-line coach Bill O'Boyle to comment, "there's a new bull coming into the pasture."
7. If the Salukis played tomorrow, the offensive line would go -- from left to right -- Austin Olsen, David Meyerhoff, Garrett Clark, Jake Notario and Ethan Wirth. The latter two have a combined 36 games of starting experience between them.
8. Last year's starting center, Tanner Crum, is working as a grad assistant in strength & conditioning. He's also studying agricultural systems and is involved in an interesting project on behalf of John Deere. He's writing software for drones that do precision planting and measuring for farmers.
9. More big shoes to fill on the offensive side of the ball are at tight end. While MyCole Pruitt is making a great first impression with the Minnesota Vikings, SIU looks for his replacement. At 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds, fifth-year senior Adam Fuehne has great size for the position and reliable hands. However, he has caught only 20 passes as Pruitt's backup the last three years. An NFL team has dispatched a scout to watch Fuehne at practice later this week. He has untapped potential.
10. OLB Leonard Garron had a terrific spring season but has been slowed by an off-season foot injury. He was running on the sidelines today and hopes to bounce back soon. The 6-foot-3 junior is a potential impact player.
11. Central Florida transfer Deondre Barnett and fifth-year senior Blake Mattson lined up with the first team defense at OLB at practice today. The inside starters were redshirt freshman Tori Millender and sophomore Markese Jackson. None have started a college game to date.
12. Saluki Athletics will host its annual FanFest on Thursday, Aug. 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Saluki Stadium. It's a great family event on the stadium turf with free ice cream, games for the kids and the opportunity to meet the players and coaches. More details to come.
