Fall Camp Report: Thursday, August 14
8/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
August 14th Practice Photo Gallery
SFA Practice Report - Thursday, August 14, 2014
Times: 9:15 to 10:45 a.m.; 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.
Periods: 16 (both practices)
Attire: Shells and shorts
Practice Notes:
· SFA reached the midway point of its fall camp schedule, holding practices 11 and 12 on the turf at Homer Bryce Stadium
· The focus of the day was on special teams as SFA ran the gauntlet through every special team situation, including field goals, punts, kickoff and punt return and onside kick
· The Lumberjack freshmen continue to make strong impacts, including a number that seem to have found their niche on special teams. A handful continue to see multiple reps with the first team
· Friday's practice will be the final tune-up before SFA's first scrimmage of fall camp this Saturday at 4 p.m. Of the remaining 12 practices that comprise the fall schedule, three of them will be scrimmages/dress rehearsals
· Head coach Clint Conque announced today that junior defensive back Destin Mosley will rejoin the Lumberjack roster after taking spring and summer workouts off to focus on academics
Key Offensive Plays:
· SFA continued to focus on key situations on the day, including third down, short yardage and redzone formations. All four quarterbacks saw significant action with both Joe Minden and Hunter Taylor seeing snaps multiple personnel
· The Lumberjack receiving corps have mixed up the formations, giving different players look with each of the quarterbacks. Receivers that have made key plays include redshirt freshman Aaron Piper, transfer A.J. Jones and freshman Jimmie Houston
· An emphasis has been placed on the Lumberjack tight ends, which will add a new wrinkle to the `Jacks offensive attack. Freshmen Jayson Clements and Will Taylor have seen quality snaps with Clements pulling in a touchdown pass during the red zone drill at the end of the afternoon practice
Key Defensive Plays:
· The Lumberjack defensive line has begun to emerge as a strong force, especially in short yardage/goal line situations. Freshman John Franklin has emerged as a player to watch, making big plays against the first team offense
· A major emphasis has been placed on forcing turnovers as the `Jacks have seen significant improvement during the course of camp. The SFA linebackers forced a key fumble near the end of third down drills, recovered by freshman Ahmad Muhammad
· A unit that received a lot of criticism in years past, the SFA defensive backfield today showed its improved physicality, highlighted by some key breakups across the middle from newcomers Alex Miller and Hipolito Corporan and freshman Calvin Lewis
Next Practice: Friday, August 15th · 3:45 p.m.
Practice Q&A: Senior defensive end Ishmiah Miles
On the progress of the defense through the first half of fall camp:
"For me, I think one of the best things for us has been how fast we've played. We're learning how to practice and we've been able to do things on a more consistent level. We've gotten a lot faster on the defense and been more physical than in years past, which is fun. I think we've responded well and bounced back. We didn't have a very good practice this morning but came back and played much better this afternoon. Moving forward, we just need to work on building that consistency day in and day out."
On the defense stepping up in short yardage and goal line situations in camp:
"We've really made that an emphasis in camp thus far and our run protection has really improved from that standpoint. Teams are going to have a hard time rushing against us this year, especially in those types of situations. We know we have some work to do across the board, but if everyone does what they are suppose to do and are capable of doing, one through 11, we'll be a tough defense."
On what has been the biggest improvement for the defensive line:
"I would say the effort that they have given and the intensity with which they've played. There has been a much greater attention to detail as well. We've had to study together to learn the calls and learn the new system, and that has helped put us all on the same page. It's been great to see the improvement across the line, for sure."
On what coach Howe has brought to the position:
"Coach Howe is a great coach. I've been through five (position) coaches during my time here at SFA and I can say that I've probably learned more from him than anyone else. He's a player's coach. We all like him, we all respect him and we all want to play for him and play to our best ability. We know he's got our back and if we do what he says, we'll be tough to beat."
On taking on the leadership role as a senior:
"I knew I'd have to take on a lot of responsibility and the new staff made it known early on that they were going to rely on me to be that leader on the field, so its something I've embraced. Especially with these new freshmen we have, I can't ask them to do anything or push them if I'm not giving them the same effort. I try to lead by example - working harder and playing fast every day and being the best player I can be"
-SFA-
