Takeaways: McIvor's progress, Ezukanma standing out and more

Practice number five is in the books for the Red Raiders. Things are starting to shape up for fall camp with Matt Wells. Here are the takeaways from Wednesday's post-practice availability.

Wells mentioned some young freshman defensive backs that can play themselves into the mix for playing time this upcoming season. Dadrion Taylor, DeQuanteous Watts and Alex Hogan can grab a role on this team. Wells said five practices is enough to see they'll be in the mix. He's looking for continued progress and pushing through fatigue and mental fatigue for those guys to make that move.

Wells highlighted the offensive line play from earlier this week until Wednesday. Once midweek showed up the defense outplayed the front five. Wells said he thought the o-line played well in both protecting the QB and making running lanes the previous two practices until Wednesday.

"That's kinda how training camp goes though some times."

WR RJ Turner will help the Red Raider big time this year, according to Wells. "We did not miss on him."

In practice, Turner is rotating with Erik Ezukanma on the outside. Turner made a grab in the end zone on a fade route to the top pylon that showed his ability to provide another big-bodied, physical target for Alan Bowman.

Speaking of quarterbacks – freshman QB Maverick McIvor is making strides in practice. Wells said McIvor's running with the twos and threes in practice with a lot of stuff being thrown his way.

"I'm looking for who the number two is right now. I'm looking for somebody to step up. I'm looking for who the best number two is. We don't know who that is today."

McIvor being out one year with an injury doesn't impact his training or spot in competing for that backup spot.

At Big 12 Media Days, Wells said they would see if they needed to monitor McIvor's workload. However, that's not the case so far. Wells said the freshman gunslinger is receiving the same amount of work the others are.

Wells emphasized the ability to stack good days on top of each other. Here's what he said:

"Well it's critical for individual success because I think it breeds confidence, number one, to stack success on top of the other. It, also to me, helps your teammates gain confidence in you. So, not only for yourself but your teammates are gaining confidence in you. It's important to get into that habit of stacking success day after day right on top of each other."

One guy doing that – WR Erik Ezukanma.

Wells said EZ is a great example of doing that.

"EZ is tough. He's physical, rarely busts assignments, really strong hands. He's got a great mindset. He works. He's a grinder but he makes plays day after day and he's kind of quiet about it – maybe a little unassuming, but he's going to be a good college football players the next four years."

Alante Brown never made it to Lubbock. Wells discussed his status and what the situation is for him:

"He's not qualified yet. He's not here yet so no closed door yet."

RB Armand Shyne and WR McLane Mannix were both out today. Wells didn't expand on what the issue was besides they were "banged up" and "day-to-day."

The Red Raiders will now prepare for a scrimmage on Saturday.