8/9/2001 - Football
Wednesday's Practice Report for August 9
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Comments from Defensive Coordinator Rick Lantz:
On the progress the team has made so far- "I am really happy about the toughness that is developing. These kids have worked like crazy. We went six straight really hard practices, and their effort and intensity have been really good. In some things we came back ahead of where we were in the spring, which is what I was worried about that we might be behind and would have to catch up, but we've added a bunch of stuff, things that we haven't even talked about in the spring and I have them thinking a little bit, which is not a bad thing. There is still a little bit of hesitation on some things, but overall I am very, very pleased.
On surprise players-"A guy who I call Big Bad John, Ralph Henry, is having a great preseason. He is looking like he is going to be a force. I think all of our defensive tackles are doing a good job of attacking the line. Now the other thing I will tell you that impresses me is the offensive line has impressed the heck out of me. They are coming off the football HARD. It's great. The intensity of the team has impressed me.
Any difference with the full pads going on tonight-"No, none. The only thing different is there will be some tackling to the ground, but we have been practicing very, very well in half pads. It is almost like these guys have gone and watched the Redskins or Ravens practice to see the speed you are supposed to practice. The change from the spring to the fall has been really measurable."
On the secondary-"They have really improved since the spring. The corners are doing a great job of breaking on the ball. I can tell they have really studied what we want them to do. I had them watching films of what we did last year at Virginia and what Tampa Bay does and you can tell our guys have really taken it to heart. I expect the secondary to make plays back there and I have been really pleased with the way all four corners have performed. Matt Brooks has also looked very good at safety.
SHORT PRACTICE
Head coach Charlie Weatherbie shortened this morning's practice to one hour today and kept the team in shorts and helmets.
"We felt like the team needed a little bit of a breather," said Weatherbie. "They have been working extremely hard and hopefully this little break with keep the excitement up and allow them to get their legs back a little bit and get some of their fluids replenished. We will go hard tonight."
PADS ON
The team will go in full gear tonight for the first time. The practice is scheduled to run from 6-8:30 on Farragut Field.
MCILRAVY AGAIN
The catch of the day was again made by wide receiver Mike McIlravy. The junior from Virginia Beach, Va., made a spectacular one handed catch off a 40-yard pass from Brian Madden.
