Garner wants Weston to keep coming along

Freshman defensive tackle Kade Weston has just one tackle in his first two games as a starter, but he’s been productive in ways that don’t show up on the stat sheet, defensive line coach Rodney Garner said.

“We really need him to grow up and be a player,” Garner said. “I think he’s going to be a good player, but we don’t have the luxury of having time on our side.”

Saturday’s game will be a good gauge of Weston’s progress, particularly in his understanding of keeping his pads low.

“We’re playing against a very, very, very physical offensive line,” Garner said. “If he plays high, he will playing about 8 yards deep flat on his back.”

The Blazers’ starting offensive guards, Alan Leon and Tommie Keys, each are listed as 320 pounds, but Garner thinks both are more than 350, he said.