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Aug. 11, 2007
Saturday was the second day of pads and the first of several two-a-days during training camp. The team does not practice tomorrow but instead will hold its annual Meet the Team event at Scott Stadium from 3-4:15 p.m. The next day off after tomorrow doesn’t come for another nine days.
“What we aim to do is really get all of our training work and our developmental work packed in as early as we can so we’re not rushing to get things done in our game preparation (time),” said head coach Al Groh. “Then we can concentrate on two things throughout the final 12 days, which is to fine tune our game plan for our first opponent and also to get our team fresh and ready to go.”
As always, competition during training camp and practice determines playing time, but this year Groh and his staff have more depth with which to work. Among the units with depth is running back, which is as well-stocked as it has been under Groh. In the best circumstance Groh says he would like to play two and have a third ready.
“It’s up to them to build up our confidence,” Groh said. “Clearly we have more confidence in Cedric (Peerman), that’s why he’s the first-team back. Staffwise, this is the highest level we’ve had in Cedric because this is the highest level he’s performed at. It’s a challenge to the others to raise the bar on their game.”
Notes:
Groh said freshman wide receiver Kris Burd had back surgery yesterday, while linebacker John Bivens did not practice due to a sore leg.
Saturday’s Question of the Day
What part of camp excites you the most?
Chris Cook: The first day of pads.
Chris Dalton: Just being here. The season’s about to start.
Byron Glaspy: The fresh start, knowing everyone is ready to get the season started and everybody starts 0-0, so no one’s really better than anyone else.
Brandon Jarvis: Strapping on your helmet and getting at it.
Sean Gottschalk: The opportunity to play football again.
Antonio Appleby: The whole aspect of it, just coming out here and getting better every day and getting ready for the season. We have a good offseason program so I feel like we’re ready to do big things this year.
Chris Long: It’s here.
Nate Lyles: Since this is my last season, it’s my last chance to play college football.
Chris Gould: Just getting back on the field after a long layoff.