Post-Practice Update

* Not much on the quarterback battle, as both were pretty efficient today. I have noticed how well Kevin Prince is running the play-fake lately, as he’s juked all 11 defenders twice in the last two days.

* One thing I’m noticing from the receivers: It appears they’re using their hands a lot more this year to catch the ball, as opposed to using the body, and while it has led to a decent amount of drops, they’re also “catching” the ball better. Shaq Evans and Josh Smith both had grabs over the middle that looked really fluid, in stride and sharp.

* Kicking woes continue. Kip Smith was off today, badly, and Jeff Locke shanked his attempt at the end of a two-minute drill at the end of practice. Someone’s gotta turn it on, or this could be an issue for a while.

* Dalton Hilliard saw a lot of time with the ones today, and Neuheisel said that he and Riley were battling it out of the position. Hilliard missed spring and Riley missed a portion of summer, so the two are pretty even as they both have been working back toward full strength.

* Chris Ward is on crutches and in a walking boot, but he said it’s a low ankle sprain as opposed to the dreaded high-ankle deal. He said he’s still in pretty bad pain, and there’s no timetable for his return.

* Taylor Embree’s tests were negative and he’s still just working back from a strain, though it continues to drag on. There’s still no timetable for him, either.

* Nelson Rosario missed practice because of sickness, but Alex Mascarenas was back in full action after recovering from a concussion.

* Neuheiel had this to say about former UCLA F-back Morrell Presley, who was arrested on Aug. 17 in Maricopa County, Ariz., on charges of third-degree criminal trespassing and burglary: “I’m disappointed for him. I enjoyed the young man and I’m sorry he’s no longer here. He made the choice that it wasn’t in his best interest to be here, and hopefully he can learn from his mistakes and become productive again.”