Fall Camp Report: Wednesday, Aug. 6
8/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
SFA Fall Practice Report #2 • Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Periods: 14
Attire: Helmets and shorts
Practice Notes:
• Head coach Clint Conque changed things up on day two, beginning practice with three periods of 11-on-11 drills before the team stretch lines
• Special teams continues to be a big point of emphasis as SFA went through a handful of periods focusing on field goal kicking as well as punting/punt return
Biggest Offensive Play: Quarterback Zach Conque connected with receiver Aaron Thomas for a 60-yard touchdown pass and catch down the left sideline
Biggest Defensive Play: Safety Trey Vallier with a near pick-six, stepping into perfect position to thwart a sideline route before the ball slipped through his fingers
Next Practice: Thursday, August 7 • 5:00 p.m.
Practice Q&A: Defensive coordinator Matt Williamson
On the defense's progress through the first two days of practice:
"We've looked real good. We've run around well. We've got some really good athletes we've added to our program. The guys know the system quite a bit more and they are really confident. It has been hot out here but we've gotten some great effort. They are running to the ball and have done everything we've asked, so hopefully they continue to do that. We get to put the pads on tomorrow so we're looking forward to that. As a defensive coach, we work on technique and the fundamentals, but it's really fun to put the pads on."
On what the added practices in the summer has meant to the program:
"It's been unbelievable for us. Obviously coming in as a new staff it's been great to work with our players. The young kids, as well as our returners, we were able to work with them over the summer and were able to firmly put it into their minds. We kept thinking about it and studying it just like they would any quiz or test they'd take in the classroom, and they've got it now. To be able to get that extra time with those players, they grasp it a lot quicker, and once they grasp it, they play a lot faster, they react a lot faster and we become a much better defense."
On the importance of senior leadership:
"It's going to be very, very important. I'm very excited because they have definitely taken on a leadership role. At first when we got here in the spring, obviously with a new coaching staff they had questions, but we've bonded really well. We've got a great group of guys who are really excited and are playing hard. They are leading the young kids and its going to be fun to watch."
On the difference in philosophy from 2013 to 2014:
"The big thing is we don't talk about last year at all. We've erased it from our minds. It's a new team, it's a new defense, it's a new scheme and we're really excited about playing that. The kids have bought in and they really believe and are playing with a lot of confidence right now. Our offense looks great. Our quarterback situation is awesome. We've got some receivers that can light it up, and it's been a challenge for us in the last two days during seven-on-sevens. We're getting better, and it's a great atmosphere right now. We've got to continue that."
On how the newcomers/freshmen have adapted:
"They've adapted great, largely because we were able to do some things with them in the summer. So they're not swimming. Normally you come in and they have no clue what they're doing for the first little bit. You throw them into the fire and they are out of their mind. But we were able to spend some time with them in July and it's just been a carry over. They're way ahead of any freshman class we've ever had before, thanks in large part to the opportunities we've had over the summer."
-SFA-
