Head coach Tim Plough pleased after first scrimmage of fall camp
Aggies have high moments on offense and defense as newcomers join veterans in live action
When you hear whistles blow and see football officials in striped uniforms in early August, it means a college football team is holding a scrimmage in game-like conditions.
Such was the case Sunday at UC Davis Health Stadium as the Aggies ran their first scrimmage of fall camp, which began on July 23.
Optimism remains high after UCD's 11-3 mark last fall that included a Football Championship Subdivision playoff win before the season finally came to an end with a December quarterfinal loss to South Dakota.
The Aggies lost a ton of offensive firepower with the graduation of running back Lan Larison and quarterback Miles Hastings, but much depth returns, bolstered by a strong recruiting class and some key pickups in the transfer portal.
In Hastings' absence, of course, the big question is who will be under center when the Aggies open the season August 23 against Mercer in the FCS Kickoff Classic in Montgomery, Alabama.
The main battle is between Caden Pinnick and Grant Harper, both of whom earned praise from head coach Tim Plough for how they performed during spring practice.
On the opening day of fall camp a handful of practices ago, Plough said the starting job was Pinnick's to lose and Harper's to win, and that he hopes to name a starter before long.
The Aggie coach also noted the depth of the quarterback room, adding that "There is so much talent there that I can only imagine that someone great is going to emerge."
Encouraging words indeed for those Aggie fans who wondered if this might be a rebuilding - rather than a reloading - year.
It was the first time this camp the Aggies truly went at each other without restrictions and under the rules of the game. Both sides of the ball had positive moments, with the offense finding paydirt several times while the defense had several takeaways.
“The first thing we look at after a day like this is did we get through it healthy, and I’m pretty sure we did,” said Plough.
“We did a good job today of taking care of each other while still having a physical practice. I was happy with all three phases of the game, including the communication and the lack of penalties. We were very clean today, which is good.
“We ran the ball well and converted on first downs all day long, driving consistently. On defense I thought we tackled well and showed that we can put pressure on the quarterback. It was also good to see the defense not give up a lot of explosive plays.
“I also thought Hunter [Ridley] had a great day, hitting a bunch of kicks for us. That’s the great thing about having a kicker like Hunter, he can come in there and bang one through for us anywhere. Overall, I thought we had a really good day.”
Ridley, a preseason All-American, nailed each of his kicks from different hash marks and distances throughout the practice, making sure the offense came away with points with each opportunity he had.
Up front, the physicality on both sides of the ball has been on display throughout camp, as the additions on the defensive side of the ball are making great strides, according to Plough.
Offensively the Aggies return all five starters on the line, while on the defensive side the addition of transfer All-American Jacob Psyk and All-Ivy Leaguer Derrell Smith-Porter have made it so the battles in the trenches have been intense.
The Mercer game - the earliest contest in UC Davis football history - is set for a 4 p.m. (PDT) start and will be aired on ESPN.
The Aggies remain on the road for games August 30 at Utah Tech and September 6 at Washington, then open their five-game home schedule September 20 in a 7 p.m. game against Southern Utah.
SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets are on sale now, and fans can head here to secure their spot for the 2025 season. Season packages start as low as $100 for new alumni and $140 for the general public. Mini plans and group ticket discounts for 10 or more are also available. Single game tickets are also available.
Reach me at bobdunning@thewaryone.com