Aug. 5, 2008
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Commodores will practice in full pads for the first time today.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson and Commodore players are excited to start practicing in full gear. The team worked in shoulder pads, helmet and shorts Monday, fulfilling the NCAA rule that mandates an acclimation period where teams wear helmets only and then helmets with shoulders pads for four practices before moving to full dress.
“It used to be that you went two days in helmets and then you went right to it, but it’s not that big of a transition any more,” Head Coach Bobby Johnson said. “I think they did a good thing when they made that rule.”
Practicing in full pads will raise the intensity of competition as the Commodores prepare for the season. The squad added to the playbook while concentrating on individual and team drills in a solid 2-hour, 30-minute practice Monday night at the John Rich Practice Facility.
Senior defensive captain Reshard Langford and junior offensive tackle Thomas Welch said their teammates were excited about going in full gear.
“I’ve noticed around the locker room everybody’s been getting really hyped about everything and really excited. It’s going to be fun,” Welch said.
“The mental intensity is just going to pick up a little bit more, because everybody’s just looking forward to hitting each other because that’s what we do, we play football,” Welch added.
“Jumping into full pads is going to be a good thing for us. It’s going to be a little bit harder with pads on, but it’s going to show how mentally tough we are,” Langford said.
The August heat will test the players’ mental and physical toughness and endurance, while also helping build team chemistry.
Langford said building team chemistry is critical to a young team such as the 2008 Commodore edition. And nothing creates team chemistry like the intensity of full-contact sessions early in camps.
