[madmat]

Does anyone have a spring practice schedule? I believe that we start on Tuesday. Thought we could have a thread which we could post any spring ball observations.

[SuperJon]

Haha, I gave it to you the last time you asked.

Tuesdays and Thursdays practice at 7:15.
Fridays at 4:15.
Saturdays at 11.

[BJWilliams]

I was actually thinking of putting up a blog of my observations of spring practice. I'll have that set up in time for the first practice next Thursday night

[Cider Jim]

Looking forward to reading your observations, BJ.

[madmat]

Sorry Jon, football drought has caused ADD.

[SuperJon]

It happens. I figure you'll be much sharper over the next few weeks.

[jcmanson]

In the SID's spring write up they said

Liberty maintains the nation’s longest FCS home winning streak at eight straight.

I didn't realize we reached first. I thought we were about 2nd or 3rd. Very impressive.

[madmat]

Who will be on hand tonight?.....I suspect the blogging Mr. Williams and...

[The NSL]

I'll be there, late though.....

[flamesfilmguy]

Who will be on hand tonight?.....I suspect the blogging Mr. Williams and...

Me

[madmat]

Feedback from the trenches.......Coach Rocco was pleased with the tempo, said it looked like a first practice, but was pumped up, as was everybody.....all glad to be out of the wt. room and on the field. Center's leg was working pretty well as Mom and I spent some serious time in prayer today.....hope the girlfriend stayed off the field tonight, SJ......But chemistry was good, 100% snaps, no sacks. Film study of practice tomorrow at 2pm.

[PAmedic]

glad to hear it- tell Jr we're all pulling for him

[madmat]

Thanks Medic, will do.

[Knucklehead]

Great stuff mat. Thanks for the inside dish. Go MIKE!

[madmat]

Friday's practice went well, attitudes are great, tempo upbeat. Noteworthy comment- "this team knows how to go hard in practice, but we know how to do so and keep each other healthy." This is a sign of a mature team, a focused team, and coaching by men who know how to teach "pracitce" skills. By this I mean "thud" hitting, which emphasizes proper tackling form and position, without taking ball carriers to the ground. That's where the crazy stuff can happen. They can go really hard with contact, but be in just helmets or shells, which allows them to get more out of the NCAA practice regulations. Linemen using hand fighting skills at full impact, but without cutting, etc.

From what I hear the work is intense and enjoyed. Awesome atmosphere, especially for spring football practice.

[BJWilliams]

madmat, I will say that I was watching yesterday and Mike was shouting all sorts of encouragement to the second and third team linemen during 11-on-11. I know its only the third day but I really think he may end up being named a captain come the end of the spring. He is a leader on and off the field, and a darn great guy in general (he was in coaching football class with SJ, critic, myself and I think one or two other FF guys and he actually drew me up some defensive fronts to use for one of my projects)

[madmat]

Mike has told me that you guys are great and a riot. He says he gets a kick out of you guys in class, and in the stands. The team is always peaking up to see what pranks are being employed behind enemy lines (the opponents bench) and are cracking up when you deliver. And when they go over to the student section after the game, it is genuine appreciation.

[FlamingChick]

Did anyone stop by tonight's practice?

[flamesfilmguy]

I'm always there

[FlamingChick]

How was it? I'd assume that since this is the second week, the guys are looking even better?

[BJWilliams]

I was there for a while then had to run to class but saw some real good things from the offense in 11-on-11 tonight...and it looks like they put in a few read option plays tonight...Mike Brown had a couple real nice scampers on option plays tonight

[TDDance234]

Let's hope this option plays are only run by Mike. If Brock is running, we're in trouble.

[jcmanson]

Our coaches aren't stupid.

[BJWilliams]

Brock didnt look bad running a few read option plays...but Im pretty sure youre not gonna see Brock Smith try to emulate Pat White or Dennis Dixon this fall. If Brock does run the read play, itll be to get the ball to ZT on the pitch (or BJ Hayes)

[RagingTireFire]

Let's hope this option plays are only run by Mike. If Brock is running, we're in trouble.

If I recall correctly, Brock actually had a few running plays called for him last year with a fair amount of success. 6'3" 240 is a lot to try to bring down.