Fall Camp Report: Sunday, August 10
8/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
SFA Fall Camp Report • Sunday, August 10
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Periods: 21
Attire: Shells and shorts
Practice Notes:
• SFA went under the lights at Homer Bryce Stadium for the first time in fall camp
• Special teams continues to be a major point of emphasis with a handful of periods dedicated to kickoff and punt coverage
• Intensity continues to build at the conclusion of the first week of camp with arguably the most spirited practice of the fall schedule
• Defense continues to step up, notching three interceptions on the night, including a pick-six off a tipped ball
Top Offensive Plays:
• Justice Liggins pulls down a one-handed snag while battling with the defender for a 42-yard pick-up
• Aaron Thomas lays out to pull in a 45-yard pass from Zach Conque
• Joe Minden and DJ Ward connect for a 15-yard slant that Ward scampered 55 yards down the sideline for a touchdown
Top Defensive Plays:
• Freshman Ahmad Muhammad with a big hit on Braxton Bearden, separating him from the ball across the middle
• Trey Vallier starts off the defensive showcase with an interception on a sideline route off Conque
• One play after tossing the touchdown pass to Ward, Minden's rollout was picked off on the near sideline by Avery Henderson
• Newcomer Justin Owens snagged a tipped ball, racing 30 yards to the endzone for a pick-six
Next Practice: Monday, August 11 • 3:45 p.m.
Practice Q&A: Senior wide receiver Tyler Boyd
After getting through the first week of practice, would you say tonight's was the most spirited thus far?
"There was a lot of great energy out here tonight. Guys are competing and we're really coming together as a football team right now. We're learning how to practice like coach Conque expects and we're taking it to the next level - competing against each other and getting better. There is one goal in mind and that is a conference championship."
Is there a sense of renewed energy being able to practice under the lights?
"When you get under the lights at Homer Bryce, its like nothing else. You know there is going to be great energy, and it comes from everybody. You see those lights go on and everyone is ready to go to work. We definitely had a bunch of fun tonight out here at practice."
Has it been fun to go up against this new-look defense?
"Oh yeah, its definitely getting fun. I love going against the defensive backs. Trey (Vallier) is leading the secondary, Collin (Garrett) is leading the linebacker and we've had Lance (Skyler) step up to take charge of the defensive line. The defense has come a long way and I'm so proud of them. They didn't have a great season last year and everyone was blaming them, but they've fought back and they're ready to play."
Is taking on a leadership role something that comes natural?
"No, it doesn't come naturally because I'm normally not a big talker. When it comes to how I want to lead, I'm more of a lead by example kind of guy. But coach Odems and coach Conque have been on me about that that I need to step up and be more of that on-field vocal leader, so if that's what I need to do, I'll do it. It's hard sometimes, but at the same time, its something that needs to be done."
What has coach Odems brought to the receiving corps?
"He brings a bunch of experience. I've learned so much from coach O. He's like a dad to me. He knows what he's talking about and he's definitely helped me become a better receiver than I ever was before. And its not just me, its everyone. He's pushing us everyday. He'll even get out here and run the routes to show us how he wants it run. He understands us and we understand him, and he's great to be around. I love him to death."
Have you pulled up some of his old clips on YouTube from back in the day?
"Oh yeah. Oh yeah. I've been in his office to watch the highlights and he was a baller. I didn't think he could do what he's been doing, but he was the real deal."
-SFA-
