The Montana Grizzlies returned to the practice fields at Dornblaser Wednesday for practice No. 7 as the Griz climbed over hump day in the middle of the fall camp schedule.

With temperatures returning to the mid-90s again, the dog days of summer are setting in around Missoula, but that didn't keep the energy down as the Griz more than just got through the two-and-a-half-hour session.

"That's exactly what we don't want to do, is just get through it. We want to improve. We don't want to survive it. I think for the most part as a group they've embraced that idea," said Hauck.

"The guys are working hard against each other. Some ups, some downs, but that's what training camp is, and I think we're making progress."

It was a more balanced and energetic practice for the Griz on Wednesday, with both sides of the ball coming up with eye-catching plays.

After a defensive stand on Tuesday, the offense roared back to life today, and more young players made an impression on the coaching staff.

Sophomore QB Cam Humphrey also had a solid day, threading a defensive needed to hit freshman Nick Germer across the middle with outstretched arms for a gain of 20.

Dalton Sneed once again looked on-form at quarterback, slinging a 60-yard touchdown to senior wideout Keenan Curran for a score during one of the three team runs.

But one group that continues to impress as it builds depth is the corps of running backs.

With six running backs and three fullbacks on the roster, the Griz have spread the reps around fairly evenly as Hauck and running back coach Justin Green put together a depth chart.

Redshirt-freshman San Diego State transfer Adam Eastwood has shown he has what it takes to compete with the upperclassmen in his group, as has sophomore Rey Green, who had a promising fall camp in 2017 before going down with an injury.

"They're doing a nice job. It's a pretty heated competition to see who our starter is going to be," said Hauck.

"We'll probably play three guys in any game, so to get in that top three will probably ensure you some opportunity within the first game, so they're competing hard."

Up Next

The Grizzlies return to action at 2:30 on Thursday in full pads after appearing in shells Wednesday. They'll have one more half-pads practice on Friday before holding the first of two closed-door scrimmages on Saturday.

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