The defensive backs are getting bored.
“I’ve been talking to the DBs, joking around with them,’’ defensive end Max Holloway said. “[They joke,] ‘Throw me a pick, throw me a pick!’ They’re saying he’s getting so much better.
“He’s making great throws. I was watching film the other day, and I was like, ‘Look at that, that’s a perfect throw.’ He’s gotten a hundred times better since last year.’’
Teammates have used the word “confident’’ to describe Rettig’s demeanor.
“He’s a lot more comfortable with this scheme and the guys on the team,’’ linebacker Luke Kuechly said. “It definitely shows. He’s more confident when he’s passing the ball. He throws the ball better.
“He’s got a better control of the offense, and that’s important.’’
That’s exactly what offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers and coach Frank Spaziani are counting on. Rettig has particularly impressed coaches during recent scrimmages, against a staunch defense.
“There’s a huge difference now,’’ Spaziani said earlier this month. “He’s making tremendous progress mentally. Ever since he started playing in high school he’s been on track. Now he is getting the chance. He’s doing all of the things necessary to get himself in position to get a base hit. Now he has to get the hit.’’
It helps that he’ll have ACC preseason Player of the Year Montel Harris as well as a few receiving threats. Harris, a senior, is already the school’s all-time leader in carries (756) and 100-yard games (21), and he ranks second in rushing yards (3,600). He has the potential to break the conference’s 33-year-old record for career rushing yardage (Ted Brown, 4,602). Harris will miss at least the opener vs. Northwestern after having a procedure on his left knee this month.
What doesn’t help is that the Eagles’ offensive line looks significantly different from last year’s, meaning there could be a few bumps in the road in terms of the running game, pocket protection, and communication.
The Eagles will replace NFL first-round draft pick Anthony Castonzo, Rich Lapham, and Thomas Claiborne with John Wetzel, Nathan Richman, and Mark Spinney.
