Aug. 9, 2011
Nashville, Tenn. – With the prospect of full pads looming, the Commodores went through a two-hour session Tuesday that stressed tempo, fundamentals and more playbook expansion.
Head Coach James Franklin left the John Rich Practice Facility impressed with the progress of both offensive and defensive units.
“I’ve been pleased and I thought we made some real strides today,” Franklin said. “I thought both sides of the ball were really competing. They’re getting a much better idea of how we want to practice.”
Franklin singled out the defense for its overall energy and hustle to the football. He also said the offensive line continues to make strides, and added that the team’s passing game showed improvement on Tuesday.
The head coach is looking forward to the introduction of full pads on Wednesday.
“(As a coach), you want to see your team raise their level of intensity. I’m sure it’s doing to be interesting,” Franklin said. “We’ll probably go live a little and see how they play when it’s real football or two-hand touch.
“It’s always interesting to see how guys react (to full pads). Some players don’t show up in shorts and turn it on in pads. Others look great in 7-on-7 and disappear when you put pads on. It’ll be fun to watch.”
One Position Move Early in Camp
Redshirt junior Josh Jelesky has moved to the offensive side of the ball. The former defensive end and tackle has been getting repetitions at guard since Monday.
Saturday Morning Practice Open to the Public
Commodore fans can how much progress Franklin’s squad is making early in camp this Saturday when the team holds its only practice open to the public.
Gates at the John Rich Practice Facility will open Saturday at 9 a.m., with the practice getting underway around 9:30 a.m.
The practice comes as part of the team’s second preseason two-a-day session. The Commodores’ initial two-a-day practices will come on Thursday.