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Johnson Likes Tempo of First Full-Pad Practice
8/15/2004
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| The Commodore practiced in full pads Sunday for the first time this season. |
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Johnson Likes Tempo of First Full-Pad Practice
On Campus in Nashville – Bobby Johnson applauded the tempo his Commodores demonstrated Sunday morning during the first full contact practice of the preseason.
The Commodores concluded the two-hour, 45-minute session with the first situational scrimmage of camp — a six-series, 26-play display that featured an aggressive defense and determined offensive rushing attack.
Afterward, the team spent the afternoon taking official photographs and participating in the heavily attended Dore Jam III fan day event.
“They came out ready to hit. I was glad to see that,” Johnson said. “I also thought the practice had great tempo, especially for the first day in pads. It’s a good start and one that we can build off of.”
The 11-on-11 segment lasted less than 15 minutes, but offered plenty of energy from both sides of the line. An inside handoff to senior tailback Norval McKenzie, stuffed for short yardage by middle linebacker Otis Washington and defensive tackle Ray Brown, opened the session. The defense forced their counterparts into a three-and-out series, then produced the only turnover of the session during the next series when safety Ronnie Swoopes recovered a fumble forced by defensive tackle Matt Clay.
In the third series, quarterback Jay Cutler directed the only scoring drive, taking the offense 70 yards on seven plays. The offense produced key first downs on Cutler completions to tight end Jonathan Loyte and fullback Matthew Tant before getting outstanding blocks by the right side of the line, enabling McKenzie to score on a 23-yard option carry.
The defense, getting key plays from safety Marcus Buggs, linebackers Herdley Harrison and Jonathan Goff, and defensive linemen Robert Dinwiddie and Greg Jacobs, held the offense in check during the last three possessions.
Practice Update
The squad will start two-a-day practices Monday, with sessions at 9:00 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
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