Murray State University Athletics
Racers have first workout wearing shoulder pads
8/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
For the last two days, the Murray State Racer football team has practiced in shorts and jerseys, making light contact while not wanting to risk injury. Today, the team practiced in shoulder pads for the first time, and thanks to a few full-contact drills, got back into the swing of things.
"The big thing today was the shoulder pads," Racer head coach Joe Pannunzio said. "Our first test was a drill we call the board drill. It's good for the hands and keeping your feet wide and staying low in order to finish your block."
Today, the Racers also worked on a pass scrimmage for 10 minutes in a set situation where the quarterback has to throw the ball. This drill tested the quarterbacks' ability to make a quick decision and also be efficient. At the end of the practice, the Racers worked on a "3rd and seven" scrimmage, where the defense has to stop the offense from getting seven yards on one possession.
CAMP NOTES: The football team rose early this morning, painting the playground at College Courts at 8 a.m.
INJURY REPORT: Senior linebacker Keith McClain was held out of practice today, due to having dehydration in practice yesterday. Senior safety Tony Ryan's Achilles was still sore today, and both he and junior wide receiver Rod Harper (sore hamstring) did not practice today.
SPLITTING THE UPRIGHTS: One noticeable improvement today was the field goal unit. Sophomore Morgan Riley and junior Gary Crass went 19-for-20 (95 percent) from 30 yards out, a vast improvement from last season, when Murray State was only 3-for-10 (30 percent) from field-goal range.
NEW KIDS WORKING OUT: Sophomore linebacker Madison Taylor spent about 30 minutes with assistant coach Wes Salyer today, learning the proper technique and regimen of long snapping.
Freshman wide receiver DeAngelo Nelson turned some heads today, making an extraordinary diving catch on a 30-yard post route.
THE HUDDLE OF LIFE: Coach Pannunzio showed the 1994 Disney classic "The Lion King" to the team last night, with Pannunzio saying, "I wanted to show the kids that they have something to live for besides themselves."
Tomorrow (Sunday): 3:15 p.m., shoulder pads.
