After sitting out last season with injury, junior safety Brendan Royal made a mark on the coaching staff this spring.
"Brendan Royal I thought was the surprise of the spring." Defensive coordinator Tom Mason said. "He really showed up, especially in that last scrimmage, he's a big hitter and showed up well today (Friday)."
Royal set the defensive tone early, blazing off the edge untouched for the sack, and finished with three tackles, and was solid in coverage in Friday's scrimmage.
"I'm really excited to be out there." Royal said after Friday's scrimmage. "I guess I got some rest (from missing last season) so I'm fresh and ready to get out there and do my thing.