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Pads On, Cavaliers Hit Field Early
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Aug. 10, 2012
Charlottesville, Va. – Because of a threat of severe weather coming into the Charlottesville region on Friday afternoon, Practice No. 5 was moved up to 11:30 a.m. at The Park, located on the North Grounds of the University. Friday was the first day of full pads, finalizing a five-day acclimatization period.
Despite being the first day of full pads UVa head coach Mike London’spractice plan remains unchanged from earlier in the week.
“The way we practice whether it’s with full pads or shells, we practice fast and we practice full speed,” said London Friday morning prior to practice. “A thud practice for us is getting guys into position to wrap up and tackle. We practice the techniques of doing that and its just another protective measure we have to keep our guys safe.”
With the loss of Chase Minnifield, Rodney McLeod and Corey Mosleyto graduation, there are spots wide open in the Virginia secondary this camp. London is excited about the youth at the position.
“You look back and see Maurice Canady and C.J. Moore doing a nice job,” said London. “Our safeties are evolving with guys like Brandon Phelps. Rijo Walkeris a veteran that has played corner and safety. This is only the fifth practice and for the true freshmen it truly is the fifth practice with UVa after coming from high school. Its important to see improvement and a lot of them are improving. It’s important to see how much they can retain as we start to put our schemes in. As we continue through camp we will see how much they retain and then execute as we move forward.
The first day of pads saw a more physical aspect in drills running rush plays in goal line formations. It was a battle back and forth as each the offensive and defensive lines traded who dominated the line of scrimmage.
Practice ended with live 11-on-11 field goals as Drew Jarrett and Ian Fryetraded off kicking duties, working in from 45 yards out.
The final open practice of camp is set for Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium. Fans can park for free in the West lot and enter through the West Gate. Practice will commence at 4 p.m. Gates open at 3:30 p.m.