Good afternoon, Green Wave fans!
Before I share John Burrows’ exceptional practice report from this past Saturday's session (practice #4 of the spring), I wanted to announce some changes and forthcoming growth within the FTW community. We will soon be launching an interactive subscription-based website that promises to have the very best and most accurate recruiting information around. There will also be additional features like the below practice report, interviews with players and coaches, film sessions and more. The Jimmy O Show, along with our pre and post-game podcasts will continue, of course. We are going to continue to do our best to both further the mission of the Collective and to provide all Tulane fans with the best content possible. John is one of a few contributors that we are very proud to have in the fold. I look forward to individually introducing each of them to you, our readers, alongside their impressive work. Roll Wave.
— Jake Weinstock, Editor-in-Chief, FTW Collective Group
Without further delay, here’s John Burrows’ practice report:
The first week of spring practice is officially in the books for the Wave, and the program looks to be headed in the right direction under new Head Coach Jon Sumrall. After attending this Saturday’s practice, here is everything you need to know about the team’s biggest risers and the culture of the program.
Biggest Risers:
Kai Horton (QB, R-Jr.): With Oregon transfer quarterback Ty Thompson sidelined with a foot injury, Kai Horton’s took all of the first team snaps. Horton didn’t have the best showing against Virginia Tech to end last season, but I wouldn’t judge him too harshly for his Military Bowl performance, given the coaching and personnel changes happening at the time. On Saturday, Horton looked accurate, on time, and kept the ball out of harm's way while still pushing it down the field. The offense fed off his energy and seemed to rally around him.
Shazz Preston (WR, So.): If I had to pick a player I was most impressed with on Saturday, it would be Alabama transfer Shazz Preston. Preston never really saw the field during his short time at Alabama, but that will undoubtedly change this season. Every time I looked up, Preston seemed to be making a contested catch over a defender or managing to get completely behind the defense. After one of many long touchdowns, Preston ran down the sideline yelling, “I’m back home!” The Louisiana native certainly caught my eye and was praised heavily by Coach Sumrall after practice.
Shaun Nicholas (WR, Fr.): Nicholas made a couple of great plays Saturday in 11 on 11, most noticeably coming down with a contested ball on a deep crosser route. As a prospect, he reminded me a little of a young Michael Thomas, both of whom I thought were underrated coming out of high school. Nicholas ran with the first-team offense for part of practice, and I will monitor that, going forward.
Josh Remetich (OL, Sr.): Remetich has been a staple on the Tulane offensive line, and I would not expect that to change this season. Remetich has emerged as one of the leaders for this season’s Green Wave, and was even shouted out by former LSU head coach Ed Orgeran after practice.
Trevor Evans (WR, R-Jr.): After an early drop, walk-on receiver Trevor Evans bounced back with arguably the play of the day, scoring a 60-yard touchdown down the right sideline to end practice.
DK McGruder (CB, So.): McGruder is not afraid to jump routes and make a play on the ball, a trait that stood out in practice on Saturday. He’s one of the tallest players on the field and possesses an incredible wingspan. If McGruder becomes a little more consistent with his play, he could make a big jump this year.
Jack Tchienchou (S, Fr.): Tchienchou is one of the players who followed Coach Sumrall to Tulane from Troy. He was solid in coverage and finished 11 on 11s with multiple technically perfect pass breakups and an interception. Although Tchienchou is young, I would not be surprised if he saw significant playing time next season.
Culture:
It’s evident that Coach Sumrall has prioritized fostering a healthy, sustainable culture within the program. While addressing the team after practice, Coach Sumrall would choose two players at a time, having them each stand. They were then asked to answer a handful of questions about their teammate, the other standing player, such as where they’re from, what they like to do in their free time, what their irrational fear is, etc. After answering the questions, the players would switch roles. If the players got the questions wrong, the team would jokingly “boo,” as requested by Coach Sumrall. If they answered correctly, which they typically did, the rest of the team would cheer. It also appears that Coach Sumrall has implemented an off-the-field competition to encourage the players to support Tulane’s other sports teams. Following practice, Tulane baseball played a double-header against Pepperdine. Sumrall told the players that their team would receive points if they attended the game and took a picture as proof. In addition to supporting Tulane athletes across different sports, this competition encourages players to spend time together outside of practice. We still have some time before the start of the season, but I am a big believer in Coach Sumrall and his staff.