Day 5 Notebook: Pads Pop On Wednesday

DENTON - Day five of fall camp, presented by Rhino Steel Buildings, was the first day of camp with full pads, which helped amplify the intensity. It was also the first time the team held its morning practice on the new grass practice field adjacent to the rapidly developing Lovelace and McNatt Families Indoor Practice Facility.

There were several big hits mixed with big plays on a warm Wednesday morning.

Key Moments:

During the 1-on-1 period between the receivers and defensive backs, freshman Dorian Morris (Mesquite, Texas) opened the period with a strong pass break-up on an out route intended for Austin Ogunmakin (Houston). Morris was able to knock the ball free with a late swipe on the sideline.
Junior receiver Jaelon Darden (Houston) continued to shine from the slot, consistently beating defenders with his shifty and technical route-running. Darden caught several touchdowns during 1-on-1's and made a collection of first down and touchdown receptions during both 7-on-7's and the team periods.
Redshirt freshman receiver Jyaire Shorter (Killeen, Texas) hauled in an acrobatic catch in the back corner of the end zone on a fade. Later during the team period, Shorter made an impressive catch along the sideline, out-muscling the defender to haul it in.
Senior receiver Rico Bussey, Jr. (Lawton, Oklahoma) made a terrific contested catch on a back-shoulder throw with a defender draped all over him. Bussey was able to exhibit the strength of his hands, completing the catch through contact.
Redshirt senior safety Taylor Robinson (Fort Worth) recorded a pass breakup on a fourth down situational play on a play intended for tight end Kelvin Smith (Spring, Texas).
Freshman linebacker Kevin Wood (Converse, Texas) recorded a big tackle-for-loss by shooting into the backfield from the weak side to bring the ball carrier down for a loss of four yards. Wood also recovered a fumble and had a big return later in the period.
Senior wide receiver Michael Lawrence (Sweetwater, Texas) pulled in a great sideline catch during the 7-on-7 period from quarterback Mason Fine (Peggs, Oklahoma), despite tight coverage.
Junior college transfer corner Quinn Whitlock (Pinola, Mississippi) made a diving interception during 7-on-7's off of a dropped pass. Whitlock also recorded a pass-breakup during the team period on a fade intended for Bussey. Whitlock was able to get a hand in late to jar it loose.
Sophomore defensive back Alex Morris (Humble, Texas) made an athletic pass-breakup near the goal line by lunging in front of the intended receiver.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Austin Aune (Argyle) connected with redshirt sophomore receiver Greg White (Riverdale, Georgia) in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Aune's ball-placement was perfect, to avoid the safety by putting it up where White could snag it.
Fine continued his razor-sharp start to fall camp, connecting with his receivers at a very high clip throughout the day.
Sophomore linebacker KD Davis (Ennis, Texas) stuffed the run for no gain on a first down play during the team period.
Senior safety Khairi Muhammad (Dallas) made a leaping interception that he returned for a touchdown.
Redshirt sophomore running back Tre Siggers (Duncanville, Texas) had a very impressive day, He busted a big-gainer to the left and then on the very next snap, burst through the line to the right for a 24-yard touchdown.
Redshirt junior tight end Kyleb Howell (Lantana) picked up a big gain on a well-designed pass play that left him in space.
Junior defensive lineman Dion Novil (Abilene) came up with a big tackle-for-loss on a play near the goal line during the final few series of practice.
Redshirt senior linebacker Mike Linehan (Highland Park, Texas) recorded a great tackle in space to hold the running back to a minimal gain.
Junior safety Makyle Sanders (Tyler, Texas) made a big hit on the sideline near the goal line to save a touchdown on a third and goal play.
Morris concluded practice with a monster hit to record a tackle-for-loss.

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Players Mentioned

Austin Aune

Rico Bussey, Jr.

Jaelon Darden

KD Davis

Mason Fine

Kyleb Howell

Michael Lawrence

Mike Linehan

Alex Morris

Dorian Morris

Khairi Muhammad

Dion Novil

Austin Ogunmakin

Taylor Robinson

Makyle Sanders

Jyaire Shorter

Tre Siggers

Kelvin Smith

Greg White

Quinn Whitlock

Kevin Wood