Monday, Aug. 11 practice notes

I figured we could squeak in a few quick practice updates before tomorrow's NEC Preseason Coaches Poll post.

Some quick notes from Monday's AM practice session:

Fifth-year senior cornerback and co-captain Ayo Falae broke up a pair of passes this morning and picked off a pass. For my money, Falae is the best cornerback in the league. He is a tremendous shutdown corner who will also come up from his position and lay the wood to a ball carrier.

Fellow fifth-year senior wide receiver Steve Dowens, from Middletown South, had a diving catch off a pass from fellow fifth-year quarterback Brett Burke, from Wall, in the morning session. Dowens is a tough wide receiver who is not afraid to go over the middle and is also a valuable blocker on the outside. Burke continues to put the ball where it needs to be for his playmakers to make something happen throughout early camp.

Fifth-year senior tight end John Nalbone snared a one-handed touchdown catch in the AM during drills. Nalbone has great size (6-4, 260) and athleticism and should have a big season in 2008 following three All-NEC seasons, including a First Team nod last year.

Junior defensive back Kenny Amsel blocked two field goals in the morning. Amsel is in the mix in a very talented and deep MU defensive backfield after playing in nine games last season.

In the PM session, freshman wide receiver Darvin Henderson made the catch of the afternoon when he laid out and hauled in a deep ball from fellow newcomer Kyle Frazier. This was my first look at Henderson, who appears to have some talent and speed, while Frazier has looked good throughout camp.

That's all for now, I will be back on Tuesday with all the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll insight and analysis.