Youthful Uprising
8/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 12, 2005
NACOGDOCHES - Well into its second week of fall camp, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team has shaken off any remnants of rust that might have existed and is well on its way to fine tuning the offense and defense that first-year head coach Robert McFarland installed during the spring. A big part of that fine-tuning has been the success of some of the SFA newcomers. A lot of recent press has been given to the `Jacks' 10 NCAA Division I-A transfers, but don't forget about the Lumberjacks 2005 signing class.
"I've been really impressed with our freshmen class," said McFarland. "They reported to camp in condition and ready for the work-outs. We've seen a lot of talent at the skill positions in the first few days. Our younger guys are really pushing for early playing time."
The thought of freshmen coming in and gaining quality minutes early in their careers would give most coaches nightmares, but McFarland is excited about the prospects of what his rookie's bring to this team.
"When our staff went out recruiting we hit the road with the objective of signing players that would have an impact," said McFarland. "We didn't want to put our freshmen in a position to feel like they had to come in an start right away but we've had some guys come in and really step up. Our coaches did a great job recruiting."
The `Jacks signed 17 players in February. That signing class consisted of six players on the defensive side of the ball, 10 on the offensive side and one specialist. The 2005 SFA signing class also consisted of five players from east Texas.
The 'Jacks return to the practice field Saturday morning at 8:45 a.m., at Homer Bryce Stadium. Practices are free and open to the public.
-SFA-
