Appalachian State
ASU Football Fall Camp Report ? Sat., Aug. 9
BOONE, N.C. - Two-a-day practices started in earnest on Saturday, as the team spent most of the partly-cloudy afternoon in full pads running 11-on-11 drills. As has been the case throughout camp this fall, the defense looked as strong as the offense had the day before.
Practice concluded with a series of drives starting on the 20- and 30-yard lines. Junior Armanti Edwards passed for 55 yards and combined with Devon Moore for an additional 35 on the ground on a scoring drive to open the scrimmage. The drive was punctuated by a 25-yard touchdown reception by B.J. Frazier.
Freshman DeAndre Presley took the reigns for the second 80-yard series and looked sharp with a 27-yard run on an option play and 42-yard scoring pass to Clay McKnight. Robert Welton and Blake Elder each ran the ball for eight yards on the drive as well.
By the third series, it was the defense's turn to show its strength. Following a 16-yard run by Edwards, the front seven stuffed runs, forced incompletions and ended the drive with a Tony Robertson sack.
The next drive saw 33 passing and 25 rushing yards from Presley as the offense overcame a few penalties to put together a 70-yard scoring drive. Newcomer Devin Radford carried the ball three times for 24 yards on the drive as well.
The final pair of drives came to a halt fairly quickly due to the dominant defense. Justin Johnson and Bobby Bozzo each picked up sacks to overcome 35 passing yards on four completions by Hunter Stewart along with 12 rushing yards from Josh Jackson.
In addition to Saturday's practice being the first two-a-day session of the season, it also marked the three-week countdown to the season opener on Aug. 30 at LSU. Sunday is scheduled as the team's first day off in camp.
A reminder that due to safety concerns caused by the ongoing construction at Kidd Brewer Stadium, all practices in 2008 are CLOSED to the public. Fans have the opportunity to see the Mountaineers in person at ASU’s annual Fan Fest on Aug. 16. Until then, fans can keep up with the Apps through regular audio, video and print updates from the practice field right here at GoASU.com.
Elon
Phoenix Preseason Football Practice Update #9
ELON, N.C. ? The Elon defense shined as the Phoenix spent just over two hours on the Hunt and Tucker Fields in full pads Sunday afternoon for the ninth session of the 2008 Elon preseason football practice schedule.
“I thought that this was one of the defense’s best practices of the preseason so far,” Phoenix mentor Pete Lembo said. “They really came out strong the first two team periods and really did an excellent job of stopping the offense in the third-and-medium yardage situations and generating a pass rush in the team pass segment.”
Sophomore defensive end Brandon Ward, junior defensive tackle Eric Ludwig and senior defensive end Tim Happer all generated a strong pass rush. Redshirt freshman cornerback Brandon Spurlock stepped up and made a key interception as did junior safety Cameron McGlenn during a pass skeleton period.
The Phoenix finished the session with an overtime scrimmage. The first team defense stopped the first team offense on the first drive of the overtime period. However, the first team offense bounced back to score on its second drive as sophomore quarterback Scott Riddle connected with junior tight end Matt Leddy on a touchdown pass.
The offense also received a solid performance from sophomore tailback Brandon Newsome, who demonstrated an improved ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Meanwhile, the special teams worked on kickoff returns, punt protection, field goals and points-after-touchdown kicks. Senior punter Brandon Lane continues to enjoy a good preseason of booting the football.
The internal competition at long snapper continues as returning snapper sophomore Patrick Campbell battles talented freshmen Zach Henderson and Patrick DeJesus as well as redshirt freshman Jody Hackett for the honors.
The Phoenix will return to the Hunt and Tucker Fields at 8 a.m. Monday for the 10th session of the 2008 Elon preseason football practice schedule. All sessions are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend.
Phoenix Preseason Football Practice Update #8
ELON, N.C. ? Under the lights for the first time this fall, the Phoenix spent just over two hours on the Hunt and Tucker Fields in full pads Saturday evening for the eighth session of the 2008 Elon preseason football practice schedule. The session marked the Phoenix’s first night practice this fall and concluded the team’s first two-a-day of the preseason schedule.
“I know that we’ve had these lights for three years now, but it’s still special for these kids to come out here and compete with a nice crowd on the hillside on a Saturday night,” Elon coach Pete Lembo said. “It’s always nice for our players to be able to come out here and get after it with the lights on. It was a very competitive and fairly physical practice. There were a lot of big plays and big hits on both sides of the ball, which was fun.”
Offensively, tailbacks Brandon Newsome and Dontay Taylor broke off several solid runs while tight end Matt Leddy made some key catches, wide receiver Lance Camp cut loose for a long run on a speed sweep and fullback Jake Goldsberry also performed steadily. Quarterback Thomas Wilson hit wide receiver Aaron Mellette on a deep throw and connected with wide receiver Darrius McQueen for several completions.
Defensively, linebackers Corey Weaver and Brandon Wiggins both shined throughout the session. Defensive end Brandon Ward snatched an interception on a screen pass while defensive end Jordan Gibson and safety Nolan Ward also turned in strong outings. Linebacker Daronce Daniels hauled in an interception and kicker Adam Shreiner converted a pressure field goal to conclude the evening.
For the first time this fall, officials were on hand to oversee the action and provide the players with immediate feedback. The Phoenix conducted three live scrimmage periods ? run-and-play action, blitz and move the ball ? and two pass skeleton segments. The special teams worked on punts and punt blocking.
The Phoenix will return to the Hunt and Tucker Fields at 2:15 p.m. Sunday for the ninth session of the 2008 Elon preseason football practice schedule. All sessions are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend.
Phoenix Preseason Football Practice Update #7
ELON, N.C. ? Back on the practice fields in full pads, Elon hit the Hunt and Tucker Fields for the seventh session ? a two-hour-and-45-minute-long outing ? of the 2008 Phoenix preseason football practice schedule on a cool and breezy Saturday morning.
“This was a tale of two practices for both the offense and the defense,” Elon mentor Pete Lembo said. “Defensively, we came out ready to go and really dominated the first two team periods ? the blitz period and the third-down period. The defense generated a lot of sacks and pass breakups and got themselves off the field when they were supposed to. That was good to see.”
The squad conducted three team periods altogether. In addition to holding one that dealt with blitz situations and one that focused on third-down scenarios, the Phoenix also spent a team period working on two-minute drills. Elon also conducted two pass skeleton segments. The special teams worked on punts, field goals, point-after-touchdown kicks and kickoff coverage.
“During our final team period, our offense finally woke up,” Lembo said. “The first offense marched down the field 80 yards and got the ball into the end-zone. On a positive note, it was good to see both sides of the ball enjoy some success. However, we are certainly looking for more consistency both throughout a practice session and day-to-day.”
The defensive sophomore foursome of linebacker Joshua Jones, defensive end Jordan Gibson, linebacker Brandon Wiggins and cornerback Terell Wilson ? who picked off a pass Saturday ? turned in a solid outing. Junior cornerback Karlos Sullivan collected a pass breakup and an interception during the session.
“Offensively, (sophomore wide receiver) Lance Camp had a good day,” Lembo said. “(Freshman wide receiver) Darrius McQueen continues to impress us. He is stepping up and making some plays.”
The Phoenix will return to the Hunt and Tucker Fields at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for the first evening session ? and eighth overall ? of the 2008 Elon preseason football practice schedule. All sessions are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend.
Furman
55-PLAY SCRIMMAGE HIGHLIGHTS FIRST DAY IN PADS FOR FURMAN
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Heading into Saturday’s first day in full pads, head coach Bobby Lamb planned to put his squad through a 25-play scrimmage. When the Paladins finally clearle the field, the play tally stood at 55.
“I guess we got carried away a bit, but I thought for the first day in pads we executed pretty well on both sides of the football,” said Lamb following the three-hour practice. “We had a lot of enthusiasm and good effort.”
The 55 snaps included 23 plays by Furman’s “A” unit, 20 by the “B” unit, and 12 by the “C” squad.
Furman’s defense set the tone early with three-and-outs in the first six series.
“Our defense really came out strong, but our offense fought back and did some nice things, too “ added Lamb. “Julian Hicks made several big plays, and I thought Max Lerner and Justin Brown looked solid.”
The offense got untracked midway through the hour scrimmage by scoring three touchdowns and converting a field goal. A Mike Brown 47-yard run set up a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Sorrells to wide receiver Adam Mims. Matthew Cesari then converted a 38-yard field goal attempt. Backup quarterback Cody Worley hooked up with wide receiver Chris Welborn for the second touchdown, and Mims finished off the scrimmage with his second scoring catch, a 27-yard reception in from Sorrells in tight coverage.
Linebacker Chisom Onyeuku was credited with a fumble recovery in the scrimmage’s only turnover.
The Paladin suffered their first significant injury of the preseason when sophomore center Dustin Chancellor sustained a sprained knee early early in Saturday’ practice. Chancellor, who missed all of the 2007 with a knee injury, was expected to contend for the starting job this fall with senior David Menocal.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Brandon Boykin was also sidelined with sprained knee.
The Paladins will take a break from practice on Sunday for pictures and for Furman’s “Verizon Wireless Football Fan Fest,” which is slated to get underway at 2:00 p.m. in Timmons Arena. The event kicks off with player and coach introductions followed by the Verizon Wireless Playbook, where Paladin coaches and players will demonstrate several football formations and plays. Players will be available for pictures and autographs from 3:00
- 4:15 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Wofford
Wofford Football Practices Twice
SPARTANBURG, SC ? The Wofford College football team went through the first day with two practices on Saturday, with the second practice consisting of a scrimmage. The scrimmage was highlighted by big plays from both the offense and defense.
The first practice began at 8:45 am. Highlights included the pass rush drill and twenty minutes of eleven-on-eleven team work. In addition, the punting battled heated up, with head coach Mike Ayers providing both encouragement and distraction. Four different players handled the punting duties during the punt return drills.
After meetings in the afternoon, the team made their way to the practice fields for the first time this season at 6:15 pm. The practice began with kickoff, kickoff return and PAT work. After twenty minutes of team drills, the scrimmage was underway. The scrimmage consisted of four series each for the offense and defensive.
Dane Romero opened the first series with a 35-yard touchdown run off a pitch from Ben Widmyer. On the second offensive series, Mike Rucker went 50-yards for a touchdown. The offense added first downs on runs by Romero and Robby Davis. The second defensive series was highlighted by a ball batted at the line of scrimmage by Gary Blount.
Following a quick break at the half, the offense was back on the field. However it was the defense that rose to the occasion with a sack by Hunt Marion, interception by Jason Leventis and a fumble recovery by Ryan Young. The defense added a fumble recovery by Mike Niam on the next series. The offense got things back in gear with a 50-yard run by Jeremy Marshall for a touchdown and a 30-yard reception by Fenn Allen. The defense ended the day with a big tackle by Jason Leventis on a pass to Brenton Bersin.
“The kids worked hard tonight and we saw some good stuff on both sides of the ball,” said head coach Mike Ayers. “We also saw some good things in the kicking game. There were some explosive plays on offense. I think with as much as we have given them, the way that they were able to execute, I think overall it was good. If we can make the same amount of progress this time next week, we will be well on our way to being a good football team. There are some young kids that are going to help, and there are some guys that have stepped up among the upperclassmen and come into their own. There are going to be some players that people are going to have to reckon with.”
The only players held out of practice due to injury were Johnson Richardson, Justice Joslin, Mitch Clark, Michael Roulhac and Jordan Ingman.
Practices will be held on the intramural field next to Gibbs Stadium until the end of Carolina Panthers training camp on August 13. All practices are open to the public; however keep in mind that the schedule can change without notice. The players will have their first day off on Sunday and return to the field for two-a-days on Monday.
The Terriers will open the 2008 season on Saturday, August 30 against Presbyterian at Gibbs Stadium. Tickets are available by calling the Wofford Ticket Office at 864-597-4090.
Samford
SULLIVAN IMPRESSED WITH SAMFORD FOOTBALL’S FIRST SCRIMMAGE OF FALL CAMP
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.?The Samford football team scrimmaged for the first time in fall camp Saturday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs ran over 100 plays in the just over two-hour scrimmage.
“I thought it was an outstanding first scrimmage,” Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said. “There were good plays on both sides and mistakes on both sides.”
All six of Samford’s quarterbacks saw action in the scrimmage, though fifth-year senior Dante Williams had to leave the game after the second play with what is believed to be a knee sprain. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Freshman quarterback Dustin Taliaferro completed 6-of-9 passes for 155 yards on the day. Redshirt freshman Richie Fordham was good on 9-of-13 passes for 78 yards, while sophomore transfer Matt Malouf completed 7-of-10 passes for 85 yards.
Freshman Connor Lowery was good on 5-of-9 passes for 53 yards, while John Paul Fraites was 2-of-4 for six yards in the scrimmage. Lowery also scored a touchdown on a one-yard run.
“For the first scrimmage, I thought the composure of the young quarterbacks was outstanding,” Sullivan said. “You can see they all have talent.”
Freshman Riley Hawkins led all receivers with 118 yards on four catches. Jacobi Rodriguez caught five passes for 36 yards, while Jonathan Lowery caught three passes for 52 yards on the day. Chinedu Amah caught three passes for 18 yards. Amah also picked up a fumble and ran 50 yards for a touchdown.
Alex Barnett led all rushers with 40 yards on six carries, while Marcus Rice carried six times for 38 yards. Freshman Jonathan Sillers rushed for 29 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. Sillers scored on a six-yard run and on two one-yard runs during the scrimmage.
“You don’t have to be Einstein to see that Riley Hawkins is a play maker,” Sullivan said. “Jonathan Sillers made some nice runs as well. It was just a very encouraging day.”
Place-kicker John Paul Fraites was good on 2-of-4 field goal attempts, and he made all five of his extra-point attempts.
“John Paul did a really nice job kicking the ball for us,” Sullivan said.
Defensively, the Bulldogs came up with two interceptions. Senior Kyle Morton picked off a Malouf pass and returned it 30 yards before being brought down by Malouf. Freshman Corey White made a diving interception of a Lowery pass.
The defense also produced three sacks during the scrimmage. John Michael Clay, Alex Davis and Brent Nall each came up with a sack for the defense.
The Bulldogs will hold a one-hour kicking practice on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The team’s next full practice will be Monday, when the Bulldogs resume two-a-day workouts. Samford will practice Monday at 8:20 a.m. in full pads, and again at 3:10 p.m. in shorts and helmets.
Samford opens the 2008 season on Thursday, Aug. 28, when the Bulldogs play host to West Georgia. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff from Seibert Stadium.
Chattanooga
Both Sides Reach Endzone in First Football Scrimmage
Both sides of the football likely felt good about themselves at some point during the football team's first full-scale preseason scrimmage Saturday at Finley Stadium.
The Mocs’ defense dominated the first quarter of the scrimmage with quarterback pressures, sacks and tackles behind the line. The defense even scored the first two touchdowns on the day and kept the offense off the scoreboard until well after the halfway point.
The offense got in a rhythm in the second half, getting on the scoreboard with three touchdowns and four field goals.
“The defense seemed to hold all the emotion as the scrimmage went on,” Head Coach Rodney Allison said afterward. “They made it tough for the offense in the early going. We put the defense in some difficult situations. We saw some inconsistencies from the offensive line, but that is because we are playing some freshmen there right now. That’s part of the game.”
The first few series had the ball spotted on the home team’s one-yard line, and the offense struggled in the first two opportunities to get a first down. Senior defensive lineman Rodney Beamon forced an errant pass from junior quarterback Jare Gault out of the end zone on the first possession.
The first scoring chance for the offense resulted in six points for the defense. Junior kicker Craig Camay lined up for a 34-yard field goal, but the snap went through the hands of holder Jeff Lloyd, and senior cornerback Raeshon Ball got a handle on it and raced 62 yards untouched into the end zone.
The defense forced another fumble near the home goal line, and junior linebacker Joseph Thornton scored on an easy one-yard fumble recovery.
Gault and fellow junior Tony Pastore both worked with the first-team offense. Gault, a junior college transfer, led the offense to its first score, a 37-yard Camay field goal that capped a 65-yard drive.
The ball was later moved closer to the 50- and 40-yard lines, and the offense cashed in more frequently.
On a Gault series, true freshman Mike Hammons kicked a 32-yard field goal, and in two red-zone situations, Gault threw 12- and 13-yard touchdown passes to junior Blue Cooper. He threw 21 times and completed 14 passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran seven times for 43 yards, including a five-yard TD run.
Pastore led the offense to a 40-yard Hammons’ field goal and a 29-yard Camay field goal. He completed 6-of-11 pass attempts for 42 yards.
The main question from reporters after the scrimmage was about the quarterback situation. Allison said he is not ready to name a starter and is seriously thinking about playing both in the first two or three games.
“I didn’t see any bad decisions from Jare today,” Allison said. “He has great abilities, and he can run the ball. Our offense is different with Jare in there, and it’s different with Tony in there. They each have their own qualities which benefits our offense.”
Redshirt freshman Sloan Allison and sophomore Cody Romans each directed two series. Romans tossed a 37-yard scoring pass to redshirt freshman receiver Joel Bradford, who led all wideouts with 64 yards on four catches. Cooper made five receptions for 41 yards, and sophomore Jordan Hazard hauled in four balls for 31 yards.
Junior running back Erroll Wynn only had seven carries but picked up 42 yards. Junior college transfer Shaun Kermah got the bulk of the work in the backfield, running 17 times for 34 yards.
Redshirt freshman lineman Eddie Evans joined Beamon in the sack category. Beamon, Evans and Jaron Norfleet each recorded tackles behind the line, and newcomer Josh Beard made back-to-back negative yardage hits.
Defensive backs with pass breakups included Ball, seniors Chris Blanson and Anthony Brodnax, sophomore Buster Skrine and redshirt freshman J.D. Dothard.
UTC is off Sunday but returns to practice Monday with its third two-a-day practice.
The Mocs open the season Aug. 30 at No. 4 Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. Season tickets are still available by visiting UTC’s official athletics website, GoMocs.com or by calling the box office at 423-266-6627.