Fall Camp Report: Sunday, August 17
8/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
SFA Fall Camp Report • Sunday, August 17
Time: 7:45 – 9:15 p.m.
Periods: 16
Attire: Shells and shorts
Practice Notes:
• SFA began the final week of fall camp with a 16-period practice under the lights at Homer Bryce Stadium
• Special teams once again proved to be a major focus, especially punts and punt return as Nick Bruno had a solid night
• Throughout the practice, the Lumberjack defensive units had a productive night, forcing a handful of offensive turnovers
• The preseason FBS Top-25 poll was released earlier Saturday with SFA’s week one opponent, Kansas State, checking in at 20th.
Offensive Notes:
• The top receivers of the night were Marquis Mosley and DJ Ward as the duo pulled in a number of key catches, including a long 55-yarder for Mosley late in practice along the far sideline
• Gus Johnson had another productive night rushing the ball, picking up big yardage in key situations, but also showed his threat receiving out of the backfield on a number of occasions
Defensive Notes:
• SFA’s defensive unit had a spirited practice under the lights, recording a pair of interceptions off tipped balls by Marvin Gray and Chip Jones, while also forcing a fumble during 11-on-11 situations
• Freshman defensive end John Franklin had one of the top defensive plays of the night, reading a reverse perfectly and shoving receiver Aaron Piper backwards for a 10-yard loss
Next Practices: Monday, August 18 • 9:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Practice Q&A: Senior safety Trey Vallier
On his thoughts about Saturday’s scrimmage:
“Honestly, it was an okay effort. We weren’t running to the ball like we needed to, and that’s on me. I wasn’t running to the ball the way I need to as a leader. All in all, I saw some flashes of how good we could be if we just focus in and run to the ball. We could be really tough as a defense.”
On what the focus will be during the final week of fall camp:
“We just need to give great effort. We need to bring big energy with us to practice everyday and work on the little things. The season is right around the corner – honestly, it’s right here in our face. We just need to use this week to continued to get prepared the best way possible.”
On which of his teammates have impressed him during camp:
“I’ve really been impressed with Avery Henderson. He’s done a phenomenal job all camp and has come a long way. Nick Bryant has also stepped it up and the two of them are doing a great job in front of me. I really like having Patrick Martin right next to me. He’s been hustling and making sure he gets to the ball and has set a good example. Our starting secondary – I love these guys. And then our young guys will be real good as well. They just need to focus and get more comfortable with the system.”
On embracing the senior leadership role:
“Honestly, I don’t see a difference. I just go out there and try to do my job everyday, and do it to the best of my ability. Hopefully I’m setting a good example for the rest of these guys.”
On how eager he is getting for the season opener:
“I’m really feeling it now. It’s right there. Being my last year, I’m just ready for it to get started. I can’t wait until kickoff up in Kansas.”
-SFA-
