Spring football is moving swiftly for the Cougars as players continue to prepare for a bounce-back 2015 season.

The second week of practice for the Cougars has concluded and the defense appears to have found a rhythm. The most notable look for practice this week came from the play of the defensive line, particularly during last Thursday’s practice. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Falk struggled to find time in the pocket as the line proved relentless and provided pressure throughout the scrimmage.

The play of the defensive line is especially encouraging for the Cougar defense because of the offensive line unit they’re going up against. The offensive line is returning all starters from last season and look to improve on their previous campaign. However, defensive line coach Joe Salave’a said the defensive line doesn’t worry about who they are going up against.

“I really don’t mind who it is,” Salave’a said. “They can bring a 12-year vet from the NFL, I don’t really care, the biggest thing that we’ve been talking to our guys about is our approach and our attitude and doing what we need to get done on our defensive side of the ball and that’s been one of the messages we bring to those guys is trying to make sure it’s about our effort, if we do that we have a chance.”

The defense recorded several interceptions during 7-on-7 drills and appeared to benefit from the pressure the defensive line was bringing. For a young defense, the spring is critical to their development for the fall. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch believes his team has improved since the start, but there is still a long way to go.

A big key for the Cougar defense will be the leadership it receives from their senior class. Senior linebacker Jeremiah Allison will be looked to as a player that can bring that type of leadership. Grinch said that all the seniors have to step up as leaders with only one year left to play.

“I think we need to see more from all the seniors,” Grinch said. “I think certainly (Jeremiah) Allison is a guy that’s played a lot of football and I think he’s willing to talk which is good, and I think he says the right things when he does. I think he’s gotta find more opportunities over the course of practice ‘cause there are more opportunities over the course of practice to do that. He’s not the only senior; it’s not just on him but that whole group. We can get this thing better and we need to get it better now.”

Redshirt sophomore running back Gerard Wicks looked solid in practice this week reeling off a few nice runs. The offensive line got beat by the defensive line during the scrimmage, but look to have a solid season ahead of them with experience under their belt. Head Coach Mike Leach said a big factor they’ll be looking for in camp will be to add depth to the line.

“Depth and then also some guys will challenge for some positions,” Leach said. “See if somebody can emerge and beat somebody out, but also have a really solid second group instead of one you’re making some compromises on.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the quarterbacks continue to be Falk and redshirt freshman Peyton Bender when running scrimmages. It appears Falk still has the edge over the freshman, but Bender has shown a strong arm and a quick release in camp.

The Cougars will continue to practice Tuesday and Thursday in the afternoon, while their Saturday practice looks to be held in the mornings. Their next practice will be Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.