Faulkner gets physical, ready for full pads on Friday
AJ Yelder snags a catch during morning drills
August 7, 2008
After three grueling days of conditioning in shorts and helmets, the Faulkner football team put on the shoulder pads and got physical Thursday morning at Cramton Bowl. And head coach Jim Nichols was pleased with what he saw.
"These guys really got after it and it was a spirited workout,’’ said Nichols, who started practice thirty minutes earlier than planned to partially beat the heat. "I thought our offense did some good things in one-on-one drills with our defense. These guys enjoyed doing some hitting today, and we expect they’ll really enjoy it tomorrow.
On Friday the Eagles will be in full pads for the first time. Faulkner’s first scrimmage – a scheduled 50 plays – will take place Saturday morning. Both Friday’s practice and Saturday’s scrimmage will begin at 8:30 and are open to the public.
The Eagles offense works on formations during Thursday's practice
"We’ll be looking especially close at our defensive guys tomorrow, because we obviously have to find guys who can tackle, and you can’t do that until your in full pads,’’ Nichols said. "There’ll be a lot of tackling drills Friday, and we’ll do some fun stuff to loosen ‘em up some.’’
Nichols said he has been extremely impressed with pure freshman defensive end Zach Peppers, who he expects to earn a lot of early playing time.
"The guy has both a great work ethic and a great attitude, and that means he’ll play early,’’ he said. "We knew he was good, but if he keeps on like he has been he’ll be right in the mix on the defensive side of the ball.’’
Quarterback Philip Moore takes a snap during practice
J.T. Barker, who had 144 yards rushing as a tailback last season, has continued to work well at his new home in the Eagles’ secondary. Projected as the starter at free safety, his quickness and athletic ability should prove to be an asset in Faulkner’s aggressive defensive scheme.
"Because we move our strong safety up a lot, J.T. will play a key role for us back there in centerfield, so to speak,’’ Nichols said. "You need somebody with his ability back there, and he played the position in high school so we feel good about it.’’
One of the weak spots on the 2007 Faulkner team was the kicking game. According to Nichols, that won’t be the case this season. The Eagles have three guys - Jared Corder, a junior college transfer from Cohoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss., pure freshman Win Knight from Clay County, and transfer Paul Cink from Mississippi College - who all possess strong legs and the ability to compete at the collegiate level. The battle for the starting job begins Friday.
Running back Ryan Williams looks for the pass in the secondary
"Regardless of who we go with, we’ll be better than we were last season,’’ said Nichols, whose team made only three field goals the entire year. "We’ll be better in all three phases – punting, place-kicking and kickoffs.’’
Maurice Whiting, a returning tailback, is currently sitting out practice due to health concerns. True freshman offensive lineman Chris Thomas of Moody High School injured his knee at practice Wednesday and is awaiting test results.
Faulkner opens its season on Sept. 6 in Birmingham against Samford at 6 p.m. The Eagles’ home opener is Sept. 13, hosting Huntingdon at Cramton Bowl in a game that kicks off at 7 p.m.