Fall Camp Report: Saturday, August 9
8/9/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
SFA Fall Practice Report – Saturday, August 9, 2014
Time: 3:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Periods: 22
Attire: Shells and shorts
Practice Notes:
- Saturday’s practice was the warmest of the fall camp thus far as the temperature read 95 degrees with a real feel of 102 at the start of practice
- With five practices now under their belts, the SFA youngsters have begun seeing more reps with a handful taking snaps with the first teams
- Noted as one of the major question marks coming into camp, SFA’s defensive secondary has looked impressive, bolstered by seniors Trey Vallier, Maurice Poullard and Keavon Madison
- Energy remains high, as the first week of camp draws near as the tempo of practices continue to heighten
Next Practice: Sunday, August 10 – 7:45 p.m.
Practice Q&A: Senior linebacker Collin Garrett
On finally putting on the pads in practice:
“As a defensive guy, we love when we get to put on our armor. The offense, they get away with a little bit more when we don’t have pads on. When we put them on, we can kind of show them who the big dogs are. Plus the pads just bring up the intensity of practice which makes our team better.”
On what Coach Williamson brings to SFA:
“His style is definitely very physical and intense. When we’re out there, it feels like he dang near kills us sometimes. But I know when we’re out there breathing hard its because he wants us to be the best. He takes the time to tell us why we’re doing what we’re doing and he encourages us to ask questions. There are no bad questions, he always tells us, because asking questions helps us understand and makes us better. Being the linebacker coach, he wants us to be the leaders of this defense. If we’re not on point, the rest of the defense won’t be on point.”
On embracing the role as the leader of the linebackers:
“I’m taking it on head first. I didn’t make Mike last year, but then they moved me to that position this year and that traditionally is the position that is the leader of the linebackers. I know I have that title now, so I’ve tried to step up to the plate and do my best. My goal is to help any of the linebackers, or anyone else on the defense, honestly, to be better. That’s how we’ll be the best we can.”
On which linebackers have stepped up early in fall camp:
“Marvin Gray has really adapted well in learning the new position, and this new guy we have, Justin Owens, he’s the real deal. From what he’s shown, he has a great work ethic and great instincts and has really picked up the scheme quickly. He’s going to be a good player and one to keep your eyes on.”
On the progress the defensive unit has made since last season:
“We’ve come a long way. Last year we had a lot of miscommunication, which led to so many big plays. This year, there has been an added emphasis in the film room. Guys will watch film by themselves on their own just to learn how to improve on our mistakes. We have a bunch of guys that are hungry to master their craft. The older guys have really taken on the role of teaching the younger guys. Nobody is being selfish – we want the young guys to be better so we can continue to grow, and that in turn makes you want to be better.”
On being picked sixth the SLC preseason polls:
“It definitely adds some motivation because we all want to be number one. But we know we need to go out there and show that we deserve it. There is a reason we were picked sixth, and I understand that. But hopefully we can prove a lot of people wrong.”
-SFA-
