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PM Wednesday Notebook: Two-a-days continue at RU

The second practice of the day moved indoors halfway through as a thunderstorm rained out Rutgers' chance to complete the day on its turf field. Here's a look from the last of Wednesday's two-a-day sessions.
No Nova
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It was pretty much Chas Dodd day as he took the majority of snaps through the second part of the day while Mike Bimonte spelled him for a short bit. But it is not because of any type if injury to fellow quarterback Gary Nova.
"He practiced a little bit today, we're trying to save his arm a little bit," head coach Kyle Flood said of Nova. "He's had a lot of throws. We chart that stuff every day and we just felt like it was a good time, mid-week of the second week of training camp. We figured we'd take the burden off his arm today but he's fine. He'll be back tomorrow."
Flood also said that the staff will probably do the same thing with Dodd in the coming days and give his arm a rest as well.
Dodd appeared to have a much better morning than afternoon, but Flood was reserved about assessing the junior quarterback immediately after practice.
"They are playing with so many different pieces of the puzzle. It's not like a game week where you have your top six receivers and they are the only ones you are practicing with and you get into a rhythm," Flood said. "I don't know how much rhythm we have right now in the passing game. I saw some plays, I saw some misses. Some things look like they weren't on the same page but I have to sit with the coordinator watch the film and make sure and see if it's Chas or is it the receiver. It certainly could be either."
On the fence
Halfway into camp, Flood remains publicly on the fence about some key position battles, mainly the running back contest between Savon Huggins and Jawan Jamison.
"I don't see it right now as a featured running back. I think you are going to see a lot of Jamison, I think you are going to see a lot of Huggins," Flood said. "If one emerges, then we would certainly stay with the guy who is hot. But from what I've seen in training camp, I'm pleased with the way both guys have produced. I think they are both making good progress. In my mind, I think you're going to see a pretty equal split."
Flood offered a similar sentiment in the position battle between Kevin Snyder and Jamal Merrell at the strongside linebacker spot even though Merrell has had more run with the first-team defense.
"I think if we played tomorrow, you'd probably see them split the game," Flood said. "And then with the sub-packages, they're both going to play a lot. And then there will be times they are both on the field at the same time."
The starting right guard has also not been decided as Taj Alexander continues to battle Andre Civil.
"I think if we played tomorrow, they'd probably split the game," Flood said. "I don't know if that will be the case two and a half weeks from now."
Healing Waters
Safety Lorenzo Waters was held out of live action again today as he is still busy recovering from an undisclosed injury. Flood claimed there is no reason for concern about the projected starter not making it back in ample time to be ready for the start of the season.
"I think I would be more concerned if it goes into next week, which I don't think it will. We just want to make sure he's healthy. We're still two weeks out. I think we have plenty of time to make sure he's game ready."
The Flood watch
on center Betim Bujari:
"I think every day he is a little more comfortable with he position. Our defense challenges you every day."
on new offensive coordinator Dave Brock:
"I'm very excited about the offense. He's been very aggressive with the installs. I've known Dave since 1997 so it's not a 10-day evaluation for me. I know just how talented he is as an offensive football coach. …I'm very pleased with the offensive staff so far."
on the return of Max Issaka:
"The only thing we know right now is that he's in Ghana right now. And we're hoping to get him back by next Monday."
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