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Beavers hold first intersquad scrimmage
Minot State University quarterback Jon Meier dumps off a pass during the Beavers’ Green/White intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at Allen Field.

Paul Rudolph is looking to develop depth on his Minot State University football team.

He hopes more days like Saturday will do just that.

Rudolph was pleased with the way his team had progressed after the Beavers held the first of three Green and White intrasquad scrimmages at Allen Field.

The Beavers will hold another scrimmage next Saturday and will conclude spring practices with the Green and White Game on April 26. The game will be followed by the second annual Beaver Football Coaches Clinic.

Saturday’s scrimmage featured a quick pace as the Beavers went between live offense vs. defense action to special teams sets.

“The big thing is we try to create depth,” Rudolph said. “We try to get the guys that didn’t play in the fall and bring them up to speed. The more depth you can create, the better off you are in the long run.”

Now entering his second year as head coach, Rudolph said the players’ comfort level with the system is improving.

“There were some times where we showed some good things,” he said. “We’re ahead of the curve of where we were last year.”

Rudolph said the spring practices are a good time for players to put into practice some of the things they’ve leared since the fall. They are also a chance for coaches to see which players have made physical improvements over the winter.

“We’re really looking to see who can run around and try to alleviate those mental mistakes,” he said.

With all-conference running back Nick Banks on the sideline due to his track and field obligations, the MSU coaching staff got a good look at a few other backs.

“(Freshman) Tyson Schatz continues to show flashes,” he said. “(Senior) Andre James is in shape and moving around well.”

On the defensive side, Rudolph said the team appears to be deep at inside linebacker. He was also impressed with the defensive line.

“Our defensive line appears to be very fast,” he said. “It’s very noticeable. They’re fast, aggressive and can run.”

Rudolph also said junior quarterback Jon Meier has looked comfortable and confident in the pocket.

“Johnny Meier’s got good control of things,” he said. “In the four practices this spring, he has made very few mistakes.”