Video: Kerry Coombs and Db's Ormanie Arnold, Kalen Carroll, Derrick Canteen Discuss Camp Higher Ground

by Ryan Roberts

The Bearcats concluded their time at Camp Higher Ground on Thursday with one final tune up before Friday's scrimmage back in Nippert Stadium, 

After practice concluded, Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Kerry Coombs was joined by defensive backs Ormanie Arnold, Kalen Carroll, and Derrick Canteen to discuss their progressions and experiences at camp over the last ten practices in West Harrison, Indiana.

Camp Practice #13 Notes:

- The defense dominated the early periods of practice both in team and the one-on-one drills between the linebackers/defensive lineman and running backs/tight ends.

- We have seen a few different wrinkles sprinkled in on offense over the past few days and we saw another one during today's red zone drill. While the play was unsuccessful, it is evident the offensive play calling is trying to find more creative ways to get their playmakers in space and put more pressure on the defense. 

- While the defensive line has battled injuries since camp began, they did get Cam Roetherford back today as a full participant. 

- During the first team session, the defense dominated and forced a quick 3-and-out after the offense didn't gain a yard. The offense responded by gashing the defense for six consecutive first down plays. The highlight was a long run by Corey Kiner for a touchdown on an outside zone where Luke Kandra and Phillip Wilder opened a massive hole for Kiner to run through. 

- Manny Covey had a really good day running the ball, showing great speed and strength on several runs. Chance Williams also had several splash plays in which he picked up first down yardage. 

- Brendan Sorsby had a really good day while rotating reps with Lichtenberg and Samaj Jones. Sorsby found Joe Royer and Gavin Grover across the middle for several first down gains and also hit Xzavier Henderson for two touchdowns on deep corner routes in the back of the end zone. Following practice, Kerry Coombs emphasized how good Henderson has been throughout camp and how it has made Jordan Young better. 

- Coombs told the media after practice that Jordan Young, Jordan Robinson, Kalen Carroll, and Ormanie Arnold were the four corners that he feels are currently "game-ready." Robinson and Canteen both had interceptions during the team period, with DJ Taylor also having an interception during 7-on-7 on a Samaj Jones throw. 

- Jared Bartlett had another really good day with several pressures off the edge and plays where he met a running back in the hole for no gain. 

- Jake Golday had back to back plays during the team period where he recorded a TFL and sack and followed those up a few plays later with another tackle for loss on a Chance Williams run. 

- Darian Varner and Rob Jackson both made plays off the edge

- Practice concluded with Brendan Sorsby hitting Jamoi Mayes for a long touchdown on a deep corner route to the endzone. 

Highlight of the day goes to the entire team, who found a way to get most all position coaches in the ice tub and then looked for anyone and everyone else nearby to dunk as well. It has become a tradition on the last day of camp and this year's version didn't disappoint.

Video evidence below:

 

 

 

 

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