Murray State University Athletics
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Racers Halfway Through First Two-A-Day, Team Welcomes 'Cooler' Temperatures
8/9/2006 5:00:00 AM | Football
Murray
The defense began practice by working on alignments while the receivers worked on blocking and the kickers punted.
Next on the agenda was special teams work. Most of the squad worked on kickoffs while the offensive line worked on alignments.
After kickoff work, the team broke down into groups by position for a series of drills, during which the linebackers and cornerbacks worked on footwork.
Following position drills, the team broke down into offense versus defense groups. The receivers and defensive backs worked on one-on-one situations while the offensive line worked against the defensive line and the linebackers worked against the running backs. During the wide receiver/defensive back session both groups made plays that garnered support from the coaching staff.
“Practice has been tough, but we're going to keep pushing forward and at the end we're going to be a much better team,” said senior wide receiver Jonathan Eiland. “I've never seen a closer team in my life than the way this team has come together. We owe that to the coaches.”
For the second day in a row the team worked on blocking punts.
After a break for water at the “Racer Nation Re-Hydration Station” the team went back to work, starting with six-on-seven play.
This morning's 11-on-11 session focused on third down and medium yardage situations.
“Tempo is good, but we've still got a ways to go,” said receivers coach Kevin Cahill. “The receivers are working hard but we just have to keep working harder and harder until we get where we need to be. The upperclassmen have been impressive with their leadership and Jonathan (Eiland) has been a big part of that. Jon's been working his tail off. He's turned into a leader for us. He's got a lot of talent, the sky is the limit for him, but he has to keep working hard to get there.”
It appeared the morning session would end like yesterday's practice, with work on point-after attempts, but head coach Matt Griffin had one more thing on his list.
He brought the team together and had the offense and defense line up 15 yards apart. In between the two groups were a series of test. The offense and defense offered up on player each for each of the three tests. There was a leverage drill, tug of war with a tire and scoring from five yards out drill.
Both sides vocally supported their teammates in each of the drills. The offense won a few, and the defense won a few.
The Racers will have their second practice of the day at
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
