By PAUL DELANEY
Staff Reporter
The good news was Eastern Washington University's football team got a break last Saturday when coach Beau Baldwin called an early halt to the first scrimmage of spring football.
The bad came when it learned the break safety Will Edge suffered to his fibula was the reason Baldwin called an early halt – some 25 plays short of what he planned – to the first of two planned scrimmages.
Edge, who lettered the past two seasons as a backup at free safety and strong safety, had surgery on Sunday. Baldwin said pins used to repair the injury won't be taken out until August, and it could take up to a year before Edge is able to play again.
Additionally, Edge suffered a dislocated ankle and was attended on the field by training staff as he awaited for an ambulance to transport him to the hospital. The junior from Tacoma's Mount Tahoma High School fell to the turf following what looked like a routine running play.
Baldwin never saw what happened to Edge, he said. “Sometimes in those piles you can't see,” he said.
With Edge's injury, Baldwin called an end to the scripted scrimmage, 20 to 25 plays early he said. But the coach said he'd likely make that up in a practice session that took place yesterday (Wednesday, April 15).
The injury to Edge initially tempered the mood of the afternoon, but it didn't dampen Baldwin's outlook after having his first view of his team in game-like situation. Especially for some of the potential members of his backfield, who the coach hopes will help give his Matt Nichols-led offense a few more options.
One player who Baldwin spoke highly of was former defensive back, Taiwan Jones. “It's only his fourth day on the job, it's still a work in progress,” Baldwin said of his possible starting tailback. He also singled out sophomore Tyler Hart who has come back from his injury last season. “We're excited for what he brings. He was on his way last season, had he not been injured.”
Darriell Beaumonte has consistently run hard, Baldwin said of a player that spent time behind a big group of seniors in 2008. “The fourth piece is Grant Williams, who we were planning on being our fullback, but right now we're not running much two-back (offense) so I just want to get him in there, carrying the ball and sticking it in there, knowing his role will be more of a fullback in the fall.”
On the transition Jones is making from stopping touchdowns to hopefully scoring them, Baldwin pointed out the biggest adjustment for the sophomore from Antioch, Calif., is “just seeing the lanes, breaking the tackles and carrying the football. Running backs will get stronger with more reps.”
Baldwin said he has five players he'll be looking to get time running the football, including Chase King, who is out with a hamstring injury. “But when he does get healthy I'm excited about what he will bring,” Baldwin added.
Athleticism that Jones shows is something Baldwin looks for in other positions as well. “I always look for those guys who are good enough to be playing secondary and receiver; linebacker or running back; safety or running back or whatever it might be,” Baldwin said.
“You want some of those guys who are some of the best athletes coming out of high school to fit into almost anyone of your spots,” the second-year coach said.
With the loss of key performers like Greg Peach and Jason Belford to graduation, the Eagles' defensive line is another area that has concerned some. But Baldwin seems very pleased with what he's seen early.
“I think they are doing a great job,” Baldwin said of the D-line. “We're getting some great leadership from some of the guys who have not been able to play as many snaps,” he said. “Guys like (Tyler) Jolly, (Josh) Jacobson and (Jacob) Kragt,” Baldwin said. “But they're stepping right in, to play more football than they ever have.” Baldwin noted that trio is turning into great leaders.
Eastern will have a full scrimmage this Saturday, April 18 at 12:30 p.m. at the EWU Sports and Recreation Center playing fields. They play the annual Red-White game on April 25 at 2 p.m. at Woodward Field. Spring practice concludes on Thursday, April 30.
Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com
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