Racers Get Competitive On Second Two-A-Day Of Preseason Camp

Murray State University's football team had its second two-a-day session of preseason camp on Friday. The Racers hit the field at 8:15 this morning for the seventh practice of camp. The morning clouds kept the temperatures in the 70s and provided the coolest weather for any session thus far. Heavy rain soaked the Racers during the afternoon practice.

“This was our most competitive practice,” Murray State Head Coach Matt Griffin told his team after the first session of the day. “I love the effort you're giving.”

The coaches continued to emphasize special teams, spending time on punting and kickoff returns during the morning session.The wide receivers and cornerbacks got in some one-on-one work and both the offensive and defensive units spent time working against different alignments.

“The cornerbacks are very solid,” said MSU Cornerbacks Coach Aaron Hutsell. “We had all those guys in the spring so they were ready to play when they got here. They still have plenty of room to improve. They're not where they need to be yet, but they came into camp in great shape and they're absolutely focused right now, and that's great.”

In 6-on-7 play from the 50 yard line, freshman quarterback Zach Barnard completed a 35 yard pass to tight end Ben Rush down the left sideline. Also, freshman quarterback Jeff Ehrhardt completed a 42 yard pass to sophomore Rod Harper. When the drill moved to the 10 yard line, freshman linebacker Karl Finkes deflected a pass.

In 11-on-11 play, senior Chad Cook busted loose for a 45 yard touchdown run down the right sideline.

“Practice is getting better each day,” Hutsell said. “Each practice we're progressing. We're not where we want to be, but we're getting better each day.”

The afternoon session was similar to the morning practice. The team worked on kickoffs and punting, red zone attack, and offense versus defense drills.In the 11-on-11 red zone drill, Barnard completed a 20-yard scoring pass to DeAngelo Nelson. Nelson picked up about 15 yards after the catch and found his way to the end zone.

The Racers go back to one practice per day through Monday. They'll be back on the field again at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday.

Murray State opens its 82nd season of college football on Sept. 2 when the team travels to Columbia, Mo., to face the University of Missouri at 6 p.m. The Racers first home game of the Matt Griffin era will be on Sept. 23 when the team faces Illinois State at 6 p.m., at Stewart Stadium.

Murray State University Athletics

Racers Get Competitive On Second Two-A-Day Of Preseason Camp

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