Moon Township, Pa. - The Robert Morris University football team concluded its 2008 spring practice Friday afternoon with a controlled scrimmage at Joe Walton Stadium, as quarterback Desmond Brentley (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Perry) directed a pair of touchdown drives for the offense while linebacker James Kirk (Miami, Fla. / Felix Varela) intercepted a pass by quarterback Aaron Smetanka (Pittsburgh, Pa. / North Catholic) and returned it for a score for the defense.
"All-in-all I thought we had a very productive spring camp," head coach Joe Walton said. "The guys worked hard and we had some good competition. I was a little disappointed today because some of the guys that were doing so well in regard to their technique reverted back to the same mistakes. Then they came on, especially in the beginning of the scrimmage. We have some kids that like to hit, and we have some guys that can make some plays."
Brentley orchestrated the first scoring drive that was capped by a one-yard touchdown run by fullback Jeff Link (Cumberland, Md. / Allegany) by completing four of his seven passes for 56 yards. Brentley hooked up with wide receiver T.J. Green (Stamford, Conn. / Milford Academy) on 2nd-and-10 for a 20-yard completion down to the one-yard line before Link punched in the score on the next play.
The Colonial defense knotted the score when Kirk intercepted a Smetanka pass at the defense's 35-yard line and scampered the length of the field for a score. Kirk also added three tackles in the scrimmage, while Alex DiMichele (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Sto-Rox), a transfer from Temple, was in on four tackles.
"The defense looked strong all camp," Walton said. "We've got some big guys in certain positions who really enjoy the competition and getting after it. The hitting was excellent and the technique was excellent. That side of the ball has an ability to be a strong point next season."
Brentley helped the offense put another score on the board when he completed a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Molnar (Murrysville, Pa. / Franklin Regional) to cap an eight-play drive. Brentley was 4-for-5 passing for 31 yards, including a 19-yard strike on first down to start the drive to wide receiver Michael Blanchard (Miami, Fla. / Mater Academy).
Halfback Myles Russ (Boca Raton, Fla. / West Boca) had a solid afternoon for the running game, carrying six times for 44 yards, including a 16-yard rush to open the scrimmage.
"Myles and Raphael (Johnson) are getting more comfortable in the backfield, and that's going to be important for us next season," Walton said. "Link and Karey Murray are going to be a pair of very good blockers that can also run the ball, as well, so I'm really excited about what we've got returning in regard to the backfield. That area was a highlight of spring practice."
Robert Morris will open its 15th season of intercollegiate football Saturday, Sept. 6, when it welcomes Morehead State to Walton Stadium for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
