Murray State Football Spring Report: Practice #1

Murray State's football team opened spring practice today with a two hour session on the practice field next to Stewart Stadium. Per NCAA rules the Racers' first practice was in helmets and shorts. The Racers worked on nearly all facets of the game including blocking, footwork, running, passing and kicking.

“It feels real good to be out here today,” said rising senior linebacker Nathan Williams. “Starting today last season is over and it's all about next season.”

Murray State Head Coach Matt Griffin was pleased with the spring's first practice.

“I really liked our tempo today,” said Griffin. “I liked the speed of practice. We were sharp with our assignments and focus.”

Today's practice included MSU's quarterbacks, running backs and centers working on snapping and handing the ball off. The defensive unit worked on pursuit of the ball carrier. The quarterbacks and wide receivers worked on running routes and the defensive line worked on beating blocks.

The coaches used a two-step drill to work on assignments and reaction. The drill pits offense against defense. The players go full speed for two steps before stopping.

Practice ended with point-after and field goal work, and punt blocking.

As one of the team's seven seniors to be in 2007, Williams knows he has an additional job now.

“I make sure that everyone works hard and improves each day,” Williams said. “We can't ever take a day off when we're on this field.”

Griffin announced plans today for the annual Racer football meet and greet cook-out, which will follow the 2007 spring game on Saturday, April 21. The spring game begins at noon and the cook-out will start at 2 p.m.

The spring game will be held on the MSU practice field next to Stewart Stadium and admission is free.

The cook-out will be held in the Stewart Stadium concourse. Tickets for the cook-out are $7 a piece and can be purchased on the day of the event. If you are going to attend the cook-out, please RSVP Tamra Garrison at (270) 809-6181 by Tuesday, April 17th.

The Racers' second spring practice will be on Wednesday at 3:45 p.m., on the MSU practice field next to Stewart Stadium.

Murray State will open its 2007 season on Aug. 30 when the team travels to Louisville, Ky., to face the University of Louisville at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Click Here for Murray State's spring practice headquarters.

Murray State University Athletics

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