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 Western Carolina practiced in full pads for the first-time this preseason on Friday morning. |
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Aug. 8, 2008
Catamount Football Practice Update (Aug. 8) Photo Gallery
Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina worked through practices six and seven on Friday morning and afternoon, respectively, in the first of four two-a-day sessions scheduled for the preseason. Friday also marked the first day in full pads for the Catamounts, donning the full gear during the two-hour morning practice on the turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
In the afternoon session, the Catamounts hit the new grass practice field across the creek in helmets and shoulder pads only for the first-time this preseason.
"I thought we came out and had good work ethic the whole practice this morning," said first-year head coach Dennis Wagner. "I felt we challenged our guys midway through the practice with our `Cat Drill,' which is a real emotional drill for our football team. Overall, though, I thought it was a good first day (in full pads). We have a lot of work to do, but made we made a lot of progress."
The 22-segment practice opened with individual position work with the position coaches, which then broke into unit work and position-versus-position work as the offensive and defensive line worked against each other. The wide outs and tight ends also worked through routes and check downs with the quarterbacks. The focus continues to be on getting better as units and making the other side better as a team. On offense, the coaches are stressing tempo - breaking the huddle and getting the line of scrimmage quickly.
Midway through the session, the coaching staff implemented the newly heralded "Cat Drill."
"(The Cat Drill) is a 5-to-7 minute segment where we challenge nine guys on offense and nine guys on defense to come out in front of their peers; we build a tunnel about 10 yards long and we see which guy can shove the other out of the tunnel," explained Wagner with a slight grin. "There is usually something at stake, like conditioning, and the experience becomes competitive. We want them to cheer for each other, offensively and defensively, but to also cheer for your teammates."
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When asked about the depth chart and establishing starters for the season, Wagner indicated that at this present time, all positions are open and nothing has been set.
"All of the positions are up for grabs until we have our first scrimmage on Aug. 16," said Wagner. "From then we will start to build depth charts and putting ourselves in a position to prepare for Shorter College."
"Obviously the quarterback position is the first one that comes to mind with three guys; Andy Horn, Zack Jaynes and Adam Hearns. All three of those guys bring something different to the table. We need for one of them to separate himself, take this team and be the leader on offense," Wagner continued. "Defensively, it's finding depth in our defensive line. We have a couple of new players that are transfers here that are going to be impact players for us, but there are some young freshmen that are fighting and trying to find a spot. But really, there is competition at every position."
WCU has two players already listed in the injury report as senior offensive lineman Ryan Cooper (back) and Ryan Kurzec (hernia) will likely miss most of the season due to injury and surgery. Three players did not suit up during Friday's first day in pads as freshman Andrerius Thomas (undisclosed), junior transfer Sterlin James (knee) and Jenoris Darby (hamstring, precautionary) did not practice.
On a side note, media members representing the Asheville Citizen-Times were on hand shooting photos, video and observing practice. Be sure to check www.Citizen-Times.com for updated audio and video from Catamount football practice.
Highlights from the Morning Scrimmage Sessions:
* Friday morning's practice included two separate scrimmage sessions, starting at the 35 yard line going towards the end zone ... the sessions were non-progressive, meaning each play originated from the same yard line, although varying;
* Junior transfer running back Evan Williams broke a couple nice runs; one on a delay misdirection handoff and a second rush where he beat the defense to the outside edge;
* Each quarterback saw close to an equal number of snaps under center ... unofficially during the first scrimmage session, senior quarterback Andy Horn completed 4-of-5 passes for approximately 55 yards; red-shirt freshman Zack Jaynes was 2-for-2 for 17 yards; and red-shirt sophomore Adam Hearns was 1-for-2 for 15 yards;
* Horn completed a nice out route pass to red-shirt junior Kyle Garland for close to a 20-yard gain ... Both Jaynes and Hearns were able to avoid pressure on numerous occasions with scampers out of the backfield;
* Defensively, Gene Singletary pounced on a fumbled exchange in the offensive backfield ... red-shirt freshman Chris Everett and senior Jeff Bradley each tallied sacks ... Bradley also delivered one of the biggest hits of the preseason as he hit classmate Donald James, who made a reception over the middle and held on the ball after the thunderous stick;
* Although the first segment of the first scrimmage session was spent mostly utilizing the ground game, session was capped by a 35-yard touchdown pass down the right sideline from Hearns to red-shirt sophomore wide receiver Marquel Pittman;
* The second scrimmage session featured several option-type plays out of varying formations ... freshman Levon Curtis picked up a nice gain on a delayed handoff ... Horn found sophomore Greg Clark for a nice gain on a swing pass into the flat, with Horn also hooking up with junior running back Evan Williams on a screen play for a nice pickup;
* A defensive highlight during the second scrimmage session was an interception by junior corner Antoine George.
NOTE: The WCU Media Relations office will continue to post football practice updates with photos and quotes from the coaching staff, etc., throughout fall practice. Some reports will be more in depth than others due to time constraints and staffing. We appreciate your cooperation, consideration and support!
