THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 25, 1994 TAG: 9407250136
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Redskins Report
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
The view from the blocking sled, or profound insights gathered after three days of Redskins training camp:
HEATH UPDATE: Asked about unsigned rookie quarterback Heath Shuler, coach Norv Turner admitted, ``I haven't been given any reason to believe he'll be here in the next day or so.''
General manager Charley Casserly didn't go quite that far, saying, ``These things happen fast, they always happen fast.''
But it's clear the train has started to leave the station with Shuler still standing on the platform.
``The first three days, we did basic stuff, stuff we did in minicamp,'' Turner said. ``Now, we're starting to introduce different things, some things we'll use during the season. It'd be nice if he'd get here.''
Casserly said he and Tom Condon, Shuler's agent, speak nearly every day, ``but there's only so much to say. We stand here, they stand there. We'll see what happens.''
THE BUDDY SYSTEM: Reggie Brooks, Ricky Ervins and Brian Mitchell are set as the top three running backs while two members of North Alabama's Division II national championship team are vying for positions on the roster.
Brian Satterfield and Tyrone Rush helped guide North Alabama to the Division II title over Indiana University of Pennsylvania last season.
The two signed free-agent contracts with the Redskins within days of each other and are close friends.
``We talk a lot about the good old days,'' Rush said, referring to last year. ``We boost each other's spirits and, if possible, we're going to help each other make this team.''
Believe it or not, that's very possible. Casserly said running backs coach Bobby Jackson has been raving about Satterfield, Rush and fellow free agent William Bell since minicamp.
All three played well in Saturday's scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a 21-14 Redskins victory.
And there may be more of an opening than originally thought. Turner said he is very concerned about Frank Wycheck's history of concussions, the latest of which was suffered Thursday. He won't practice this morning, and it may mean changing his position.
``We might be more careful about the number of times we ask him to run head-first into a guy (on defense),'' Turner said.
GRADES: The two defensive players with the highest grades from Saturday's scrimmage were safety Darryl Morrison and linebacker Rick Hamilton. Tackle stats weren't kept, but Casserly and Turner made note of how well the two performed.
Nonetheless, Casserly maintained that the secondary remains under scrutiny, with the possibility of new players being brought in.
``The areas we've got to sift through are running back, offensive line, tight end and linebacker,'' Casserly said. ``We're talking about all other areas.''
But a source within the organization said that if the Redskins brought in a wide receiver, it wouldn't be a glamour guy like San Francisco's John Taylor. Rather, it would be someone young who could be groomed for the future.
In Henry Ellard, Desmond Howard, Tydus Winans and Stephen Hobbs, the Redskins are, apparently, comfortable. At least for this season.
LINE PLAY: John Gesek's back spasms probably will keep him from practicing today. According to line coach Jim Hanifan, that means Raleigh McKenzie will move back from guard to center, with Mark Schlereth taking over the starting right guard position.
Both Turner and Hanifan were pleased with the work turned in '93 draft pick by Darryl Moore and '94 second-round selection Tre' Johnson. It's a critical year for Moore. The Redskins want him to be versatile to play both left guard and tackle.
HOLDING ON: Quarterback John Friesz and running back Brian Mitchell are holding for extra points and field goals, and it's likely Friesz will be No. 1, Mitchell No. 2 when the season starts.
And don't be surprised if they use more than one holder, especially with the new two-point conversion. Either Friesz or Mitchell would be valuable weapons. by CNB