TAKEAWAYS
Shortly after defensive coordinator Shane Bowen complimented Dane Belton in a pre-practice media session, the safety went out and grabbed his third interception in six OTAs so far.
"Dane has been really good for us here early," Bowen said. "Like he's had a really good spring. Finding ways to get him on the field, what he can do for us to help us. But really encouraged about that group. I think M (new secondary coach/defensive pass game coordinator Marquand Manuel) and (new cornerbacks coach) Jeff (Burris) have done a really good job with them, and Pops (Mike Adams). They've done a really good job working with those guys and I'm encouraged about where we are at right now. "
A few players later, undrafted safety Makari Paige notched another interception off a deflected pass. They both followed cornerback Tre Hawkins III's leaping pick on the sideline, and all three deposited their "treasure" into the turnover chest, which has been generating some buzz on the sideline. Bowen explained its origins.
"So my son, it's his first year of tee ball and he's on the Pirates," Bowen said. "So we – again, the main thing is emphasizing takeaways. We got to get better at takeaways. Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right? You'll hear our guys say it. I say it ad nauseum: 'Be a damn pirate.' We've got to find ways to get the ball. And, again, you get what you emphasize. We're making it a priority this year to make sure we find ways to get the ball."