5 Things to Look For in Harper College Scrimmage August 21

The 2010 UW-Whitewater football team completes it's first week of training camp with a scrimmage Saturday afternoon, August 21 at 3:00 PM at Perkins Stadium. The scrimmage will serve as a great opportunity for established starters to knock off some rust, for young players to begin to make a name for themselves, for position battles to begin to take shape, and for coaches to see how players respond to the first external competition of the season.

The following list are just five of MANY things that would be fun to look for during Saturday's scrimmage. Perfectly executed pass routes by Aaron Rusch, circus catches by Adam Brandes, head shaking moves from Levell Coppage, and so much more weren't even included.

But here are five things to pay attention to if you attend the scrimmage.

1. The crispness of blocking and tackling. The Warhawks have had only ONE DAY of practice in pads prior to this scrimmage. Although I have no doubt UW-W will dominate the lines of scrimmage, it's certainly possible there will be more sloppiness than is usually displayed during the regular season.

2. The chemistry between Matt Blanchard and his receivers. There are a number of talented quarterbacks in camp, but Blanchard is the current front-runner and his familiarity with the receiving corp adds to his edge. Zach Fry (Milton High School), a transfer from D2 Minnesota State Moorehead, Lee Brekke (Sun Prairie High School), a transfer from UW-LaCrosse, and Corey Knapp (St. Francis High School), who took some varsity snaps as a freshman last season, could also see some snaps.

3. The defensive backfield must replace 3 of 4 starters from last year's National Championship team. Senior Matt McCulloch (Janesville Parker) is the lone returning starter and will be counted on to provide leadership in the secondary. Former quarterback, junior Steve McCollom, juniors Jared Kiesow and Aaron Samplawski (both from Horicon High School), sophomore Ryan Wenkman (Wisconsin Dells), and junior Sam Overton (Milwaukee Riverside) are among those fighting for playing time.

4. Former Wisconsin Badger Booker Stanley could well see his first live action since 2005. The 5'9" 215 pound tailback gained over 1200 yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns for the Badgers from 2003 to 2005. Stanley's role on the team is yet to be defined. First team All-American junior Levell Coppage and senior Antwan Anderson have formed the best running back tandem in the nation the past two years. Sophomore Lavell Hewlitt is among other backs that could get some carries on Saturday.

5. Linebacker Lane Olson. Attend the scrimmage Saturday. Then you'll know why he's on the list and why no explanation is necessary.