Georgia Southern Fall Practice Report #2
STATESBORO, Ga. ? Georgia Southern head football coach Chris Hatcher saw his Eagles make improvements during day two of fall camp at Eagle Creek. The squad is currently in their second day of three working in split squad practices.
“We’ve improved a great deal (this morning). In the afternoon, we’ll wait and see how that one goes,” said Hatcher in reference to the morning session which consisted of mainly newcomers. “Just as far as knowing where to go at certain points of practice, knowing how to practice a little bit better... the little things got a lot cleaner this morning.”
During the afternoon skeleton drill, defensive backs Carson Hill (Milledgeville/Baldwin County) and Chris Covington (Lawrenceville/Brookwood), both preseason First Team All-Southern Conference selections, nearly came up with an interception while breaking up a pass attempt.
In the 11-on-11 segment seniors Casey Wingard (Acworth/Etowah) and Quentin Taylor (Apopka, FL/Apopka) each broke up a pass while defensive back Evan Mattingly (Marietta/Walton) broke up two. Damon Suggs (Lithonia/Southwest DeKalb) and Kerry Bonds (Tallahassee, FL/Lincoln) each recorded a quarterback sack.
“It looked like the defense was flying around out there today, just like they did at the end of spring practice,” said Hatcher.
Sunday will mark the final day of the split squad, practicing from 12-2 and 3:25-5:15 p.m. On Sunday and Monday (9:15-11:45 a.m.) the team will work out in shoulder pads, then Tuesday (9:15-11:45 a.m.) is the first scheduled practice in full pads.
VETERAN DEFENSE RETURNS: Last year defensive coordinator Ashley Anders inherited a defensive unit that returned six starters and featured two former offensive players. Despite dealing with season-ending injuries to key players, the defense improved throughout the 2007 season. In fact, over the final four games the defense allowed just 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Chris Covington ? one of those former offensive players moved to defense - not only earned First Team All-Southern Conference accolades by the Sports Media Association, he also was named Honorable Mention All-America by The Sports Network. Larry Beard (Fairburn/Sandy Creek) also earned First Team All-SoCon honors and Damon Suggs was a Second Team pick.
Carson Hill (one of the key players from last year that missed action due to an injury) Covington and Beard are preseason First Team All-SoCon picks. That trio headlines a unit returning eight starters and ready to make an even bigger impact.
“After day one the biggest thing I saw, it’s the first day and everybody is excited and fired up to be here. One thing coach Hatcher stresses to the guys is to have fun, and when I saw the guys it was basically like recess,” said Anders. “The guys came out like they were little kids again. They got to be on the grass and actually have fun.”
The Eagles’ second-year defensive coordinator is trying to take full advantage of these split squad practices, which he thinks will pay dividends in the long run especially for the newcomers.
“(Having a split squad practice) You get a lot more quality work for each individual. You can spread the reps out, good quality reps, and get more than two or three reps a pop.”
Of the 17 seniors in fall camp, nine are on defense. Anders has one simple goal for his defensive unit during fall camp.
“To get an inch better every day. As long as we come out on the field and we make improvements from the previous day, that’s all you can ever ask out of a team.”
Georgia Southern Fall Practice Report #3
STATESBORO, Ga. - The Georgia Southern Football team finished day three of fall camp on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 3) at Eagle Creek. Sunday's practice marked the first in shoulder pads and the final split squad session.
Monday morning the team will come together on the practice field for the first time (9:15-11:45 a.m.).
For more information on Sunday's practice with interviews from head coach Chris Hatcher, junior defensive back Carson Hill, senior defensive lineman Casey Wingard and senior linebacker Justin Callaway click on the free preview video via Eagle Vision.
Appalachian State Football Fall Camp Report ? Saturday, Aug. 2
Football season is officially underway in the High Country, as Appalachian State University football reported for fall camp on Saturday.
Immediately after the 90-player roster reported on Saturday morning, Appalachian held its annual media day. Over a dozen media outlets from across the region attended the event to photograph and interview the three-time-defending NCAA Division I national champions. In addition, head coach Jerry Moore, defensive coordinator John Wiley and quarterbacks coach Scott Satterfield fielded questions at a luncheon immediately following the on-field interview session.
In the afternoon, the Mountaineers held their first practice of the season. Unfortunately, severe storms interrupted the year's opening workout, but the session continued thanks to the presence of the Sofield Family Indoor Practice Facility. When the weather improved, the Apps moved back outside to continue work on special teams, which is a primary focus of camp due to the graduation of special-teams standouts such as Julian Rauch, Russell Wilson, Dexter Jackson, Corey Lynch and Jerome Touchstone.
Per NCAA regulations, Saturday's practice was held without pads. ASU will work out in shorts again on Sunday before strapping on shoulder pads for the first time in '08 on Monday.
Due to safety concerns due to 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.
MEDIA DAY QUOTES
Defensive coordinator John Wiley
On linebackers:
“The linebacker crew is going to be solid. With the ability of Jacque (Roman) and D.J. (Smith), we are going to be able to allow Pierre Banks to move around and go after the quarterback.”
On secondary:
“Most of the questions asked this preseason about our defense is in the secondary where obviously we lost all four starters. There is still a wealth of talent though and if you look at who could possibly be filling in with Leonard Love, Cortez Gilbert and possibly Billy Riddle, that’s two seniors and a junior. If there’s going to be a drop off, it’s going to be in experience. We have some really good football players ready to step up who many people have never heard of because they were playing behind the Corey Lynchs or Jerome Touchstones.”
On Billy Riddle:
“He’s going to bring a level of maturity. Even if Billy doesn’t win a starting role, he’s going to bring a wealth of leadership and experience to this team.”
Quarterbacks coach Scott Satterfield
On offensive line:
“We’re very experienced up front with our offensive line. We had some younger guys get to play last year due to some injuries and get that experience on the field. Now they’re going to step in and be starters full time. Bret Irvin, a center, got to start the first game of the season and his career as a freshman at Michigan and did very well. Potentially, our group of offensive lineman could be the best we’ve ever had.”
On wide receivers:
“Right now, we are really trying to find the best group of four or five guys to have on the field at a time. However, all of our guys are experienced enough that we could line up today and start putting our offense in.”
Head coach Jerry Moore
On leadership:
“What kind of leadership we have and who steps up to lead is going to be the determining factor in how much we succeed this season. We have good players. Where the leadership is going to come from is going to determine our success. We thrive on that family aspect of our team and I think that’s what makes us different.”
Elon Preseason Football Practice Update #1
ELON, N.C. ? Working out in helmets, but not pads, Elon returned to the Hunt and Tucker Fields for the opening session of the 2008 Phoenix preseason football practice schedule on a warm and breezy Sunday afternoon. The squad conducted its annual conditioning tests in the morning, leading to a slightly shorter practice session in the afternoon at just over two hours in length.
“I am very pleased with how both our conditioning tests and our practice session went today,” Elon coach Pete Lembo said. “As you can imagine, everyone is excited to be out here and there is a lot of enthusiasm. Our defensive guys have picked up where they left off in the spring in terms of their attitude and effort, which is good to see.”
The Phoenix conducted two team periods ? one with a run and play action emphasis and the other with a pass emphasis ? to go along with two pass skeleton segments and one-on-one routes between the wide receivers and the defensive backs. Meanwhile, the special teams worked on point-after-touchdown kicks, field goals, punting and punt block technique.
“As you would expect on day one, we had some miscues, particularly with some of our younger guys,” Lembo said. “That comes with the territory. The neat thing is that our freshmen are out here, they are flying around and they feel like they belong. Many of them were around here working out on campus all summer, so they feel very comfortable around our older guys.”
Defensive back Karlos Sullivan picked off an impressive interception during the first pass skeleton period, making a nice break on the ball to finish the play. Linebacker Brandon Wiggins also turned in a strong performance for the defense. Meanwhile, David Harrison and Jeff Allen stood out on the offensive line.
Tickets for individual games went on sale Friday morning. Individuals wishing to purchase tickets and inquire about a parking pass are encouraged to do so at www.elonphoenix.com or by calling (336) 278-6750.
Season tickets for priority bleacher back seats are being sold for $100 each, faculty/staff priority bleacher back seats are $50, reserved bleacher seats are $70 and faculty/staff reserved bleacher seats are $35. Individual tickets for priority bleacher back seats are $20 and reserved bleacher and grass seats are $15.
Elon ended up 17th in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision according to College Sporting News’ 2007 Gridiron Power Index. The Phoenix finished 2007 ranked 23rd nationally in both the FCS Coaches' poll and The Sports Network's poll.
Recently picked second in the Southern Conference preseason polls by both the league’s coaches and media, Elon has also been ranked among the country’s top FCS teams in the preseason polls announced this summer by USA Today Sports Weekly (No. 8), The Sporting News (No. 12), Any Given Saturday (No. 15), SME Network Broadcasters (No. 15), Lindy’s (No. 17) and Phil Steele (No. 17).
The 2008 campaign begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 30 when Richmond visits Rhodes Stadium. The Spiders finished the 2007 season ranked No. 4 in the FCS Coaches’ poll and No. 5 in The Sports Network’s poll after fashioning an 11-3 record on their way to claiming a Colonial Athletic Association championship and a semifinal appearance in the FCS playoffs.
2008 Elon Phoenix Preseason Practice Schedule
1.) 2:45 p.m. Sunday, August 3 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
2.) 2:15 p.m. Monday, August 4 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
3.) 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
4.) 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
5.) 2:15 p.m. Thursday, August 7 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
6.) 2:15 p.m. Friday, August 8 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
7.) 8:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
8.) 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 9 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
9.) 2:15 p.m. Sunday, August 10 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
10.) 8:00 a.m. Monday, August 11 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
11.) 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 11 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
12.) 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
13.) 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 13 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
14.) 2:15 p.m. Thursday, August 14 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
15.) 8:00 a.m. Friday, August 15 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
16.) 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 15 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
17.) 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 16 ? Rhodes Stadium
18.) 2:15 p.m. Sunday, August 17 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
19.) 8:00 a.m. Monday, August 18 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
20.) 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 18 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
21.) 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, August 20 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
22.) 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 21 ? Rhodes Stadium
23.) 2:15 p.m. Friday, August 22 ? Hunt Field/Tucker Field
24.) 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23 ? Rhodes Stadium
Western Carolina
Catamount Football Opens Preparations for 2008 Season on Sunday Morning Two-a-day practices begin on Friday; Meet the Cats Scrimmage on Aug. 21
Cullowhee, N.C. ? Western Carolina officially opened practice for the 2008 season early Sunday morning on the turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field under first-year head coach Dennis Wagner. The first session lasted just over two hours in helmets and jerseys.
The Catamounts will have 24 practices before opening the ’08 season on Thursday, August 28 against Shorter College.
“It’s great to get started,” said Wagner following the two-hour session Sunday morning. “There has been a lot of hard work done over the summer and you can see that in the first day of practice. The guys are bigger, stronger and faster and it’s good to have the players here that weren’t here over the summer to add to our group. Now, as coaches it is are job to mold and fit this team into a unit that works together and does things the right way.”
“I wish we could have stayed out there a couple of more hours as we have a lot more work to do. But the time we spent on the field was very productive and the guys worked hard,” Wagner added. “It is important once you step across the boundaries and onto the football field that you play full speed. So, we try to incorporate that in everything we do. We sprint to the next drill and go full speed when it’s our turn and that carries over to the playing field.”
The schedule for WCU most days includes a practice session in the morning beginning at 8:00 am with team and position meetings through the afternoon. Preseason workouts also include afternoon sessions in the weight room, as well as meetings with individuals throughout the athletic department and across campus.
“We decided to do morning practices (during preseason) because we are going to practice in the mornings during the school year,” concluded Wagner. “We thought we would start it now so the guys will get used to it and we hope it will simulate game-week experiences.”
Two-a-days begin on Friday, Aug. 8, which will include a morning session and one mid-afternoon beginning at 3:30 pm. The Catamounts will have 20 practices in anticipation of the annual “Meet the Cats” scrimmage on Aug. 21.
Chattanooga
UTC FOOTBALL’S DEFENSE ADJUSTING TO NEW 4-3 SCHEME
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- First-year University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defensive coordinator Dick Hopkins has been in the football coaching business for over 30 years. He has been through his fair share of preseason summer practices.
Despite what may be routine sessions to some, Hopkins has been pleased with the defensive unit after three days of the Mocs’ practices. This spring, Hopkins and his staff installed a 4-3 defensive alignment, switching UTC from its 3-4 system it has lined up in over the last four seasons.
“I am very pleased with the retention that has carried over from the spring,” Hopkins said after Saturday’s evening practice at Scrappy Moore Field. “It is still a learning process, but the older guys who were here in the spring are able to show the newcomers alignments and calls. They are all working extremely hard.”
Hopkins singled out several defensive players who have caught his eye through three practices including junior linebacker Joseph Thornton of Stone Mountain, Ga., sophomore cornerback Buster Skrine of Woodstock, Ga., and senior defensive end Neil Brown of Buford, Ga. He also mentioned that junior transfer Doug Faatiliga, from Sacramento City College in California was putting forth great effort to learn his role as a middle linebacker in the 4-3 scheme.
The Mocs worked out for 21 periods Saturday. Head Coach Rodney Allison moved back the time of practice from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. to take advantage of slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity in the later hours. Four players had to be attended to by medical personnel following Friday afternoon’s practice because of the heat.
The team will take Sunday off and will return to the practice field Monday at 8:45 a.m. at Scrappy Moore Field.
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.
UTC’S FRIDAY FOOTBALL PRACTICE SEARED BY HEAT
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s second football practice of the preseason Friday had one major difference than Thursday’s first session ? heat.
The Mocs received a break Thursday practicing after a rain storm with cooler temperatures. Friday’s heat and humidity in the high 90s at Scrappy Moore Field took its toll on the squad as several players kept the athletic training staff busy, requiring ice baths and IV fluids following sprints at the end of the 21-period practice.
“The heat is not quite the same in California as it is here,” Head Coach Rodney Allison said. “We tried to get some of them here early this summer and in January to get them used to it. But I have been pleased with the first two days overall. The conditioning needs to get better.
“Early on, I am looking for chemistry and team unity while we are in shorts and helmets. I’m looking to see which freshmen are going to contribute early.”
Seniors Bryan Fitzgerald and Brian Heflin were still unable to practice because of injuries they suffered this summer. Allison said that Fitzgerald, a Preseason All-Southern Conference running back, has a few medical options which could speed up his recovery. Heflin, a center, could miss six to eight weeks, possibly more, with a back injury. Heflin was examined by a specialist Friday morning.
Junior quarterback Jare Gault, a transfer from East Mississippi Community College, participated in Friday’s practice after missing Thursday’s workout because of a night class. Junior college transfer Shaun Kermah, a running back from Glendale Community College in California, was cleared to practice earlier in the day and was on the field as well.
The team will hold its third practice Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Scrappy Moore Field.
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.