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Throughout this preseason, Booker has been determined to live up to the expectations placed on him coming out of Mississippi State some 4 years ago. His stint in the NFL wasn't long-lived and many questioned his ability to lead a team anywhere let alone a win. Well, we here in Salt Lake City would like to thank his detractors.
Tonight In front of 65,900 stallion faithfuls, Nigel Booker gave us a glimpse of the future as he completed 19 of 28 passes for 267, 2 TDs and no interceptions. His poise and leadership where that of a savvy veteran and he came out showing off that arm as he hooked up with newly acquired Grady Gomez for a 24 yard gain on the first play. Later in the same series he found Gomez again for a 29 yard gain.
Those big cathes brought smiles to OC Quentin Logan and Head Coach Marty Pearson faces as they gave up next years 1st and 3rd round picks to get Gomez. They were getting some pressure after he came out and fizzled with a single 24 yard catch in the game against Albuquerque. No fizzles tonight, but we sure got plently of bombs as Gomez turned in 4 catches for 86 yards against Columbia.
Booker and this offense needed what he brings to the table. His presence not only gives Booker a big play target, it frees up Mertz to make plays (5/60) and takes pressure off the running game (33/123). But, It wasn't just the Booker/Gomez show. The young O-line pass-protected and opened holes for the running game all night. Even After RT Swink was lost to injury, RT Ionae (the projected starter in training camp) stepped in and kept the offense humming. Swink should be back in the line-up in about 6 weeks as his injury (strained adductor muscle) will not require surgery.
Next week the Stallions look to finish up the preseason against the physical Anchorage Snowcats. Look for the defensive side of the ball to get a good hard look as DC Burke is looking for ways to get more out of this unit.
Tonight In front of 65,900 stallion faithfuls, Nigel Booker gave us a glimpse of the future as he completed 19 of 28 passes for 267, 2 TDs and no interceptions. His poise and leadership where that of a savvy veteran and he came out showing off that arm as he hooked up with newly acquired Grady Gomez for a 24 yard gain on the first play. Later in the same series he found Gomez again for a 29 yard gain.
Those big cathes brought smiles to OC Quentin Logan and Head Coach Marty Pearson faces as they gave up next years 1st and 3rd round picks to get Gomez. They were getting some pressure after he came out and fizzled with a single 24 yard catch in the game against Albuquerque. No fizzles tonight, but we sure got plently of bombs as Gomez turned in 4 catches for 86 yards against Columbia.
Booker and this offense needed what he brings to the table. His presence not only gives Booker a big play target, it frees up Mertz to make plays (5/60) and takes pressure off the running game (33/123). But, It wasn't just the Booker/Gomez show. The young O-line pass-protected and opened holes for the running game all night. Even After RT Swink was lost to injury, RT Ionae (the projected starter in training camp) stepped in and kept the offense humming. Swink should be back in the line-up in about 6 weeks as his injury (strained adductor muscle) will not require surgery.
Next week the Stallions look to finish up the preseason against the physical Anchorage Snowcats. Look for the defensive side of the ball to get a good hard look as DC Burke is looking for ways to get more out of this unit.
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