Hard to believe, but we're already into the third week of spring practice!
With each practice, each period and each rep, the performances are getting crisper, the tempo getting quicker and the guys are getting a better understanding of the new systems each day.
Spring Practice Week 2 Rewind
Spring Practice Week 1 Rewind
Practice 6 – March 26
Maybe one of these days, spring practice will actually feel a little bit like spring. As the last moments of sun gave way to football under the lights of The Fort, the temperatures dipped and the Govs were again practicing in the cold.
But you won't hear them complain. They're just focusing on improvement. Not to mention, some practices in the cold can't do anything but help for the late-season Ohio Valley Conference challenges that lie ahead.
Before practice, nickelbacks coach Keith Scott talked about coming to work every day with his players, who play a key, versatile role in the defense.
One position group that will look quite different next season is the defensive line, which will have to replace three starters and two key reserves. Of course, all-everything Jaison Williams returns for his final season as a Gov and will continue to bring the same relentless energy and effort that has made him an All-American.
But around him, guys that haven't been starters at Austin Peay will be relied upon to step up. And they made quite an impression, Tuesday.
About halfway through practice, the defensive line dominated during Oklahoma drills, and it wasn't just one player. Marquise Griffin, Matthew Gayle, John Wesley Whiteside, Jaylen Moore and others all flashed big-time ability. It carried over into team periods as well, as the front four created all kinds of havoc in the passing game.
The d-line ringleader sat down earlier to share his opinions on the New Era of Governor football.
Offensive lineman Kyle Anderton gave his thoughts as well.
And head coach Mark Hudspeth talked about why Governor fans should be excited about this season.
Quoting the Governors
Running Back Kentel Williams
On how the team is coming along:
"I feel like we have some things to work on as a team, as far as being more under control and more in control of what we have going on here at practice. Coach wants us to be fast and play with a lot of effort, but he also wants us under control so we can save some players from injury. Overall, I feel like it's going well. We're coming along. It's going to be a long process, but we're coming along."
On how the running backs are progressing in practice:
"We're coming along slowly but surely because we have new coaches, new playbook, so everybody's still learning, still improving, still installing stuff. As long as we work together as a unit and make sure each one of us knows what we've got going on, we'll be fine."
On the area that the running backs are focused on:
"It would be getting alignments and assignments down pat because we understand we're going to be playing at a fast pace. As long as we're able to play fast and under control, we'll be fine."
Practice 7 – March 28
Ask and you shall receive.
After consistently practicing in cold weather as March gives way to April, the Governors finally had a pleasant evening of weather.
And as they have all spring, they continued to make the most of the time spent on the field. Co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Dominique Bowman is pleased with the improvements the defensive backs have made so far this spring.
Competition breeds success, and Govs have been getting after it and making each other better with each practice.
Quoting the Governors
Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line Coach Marquase Lovings
On the progress of the defensive line:
"I just talked to them about great attitude and effort. I want their attitude to be right. That means they're focusing on what they have to do, and they're also excited about playing, and they're effort has to be at maximum level. That's what I expect, and I think that's another reason why, three weeks in, we're starting to understand what we want from them, and it's showing some positive results."
On who has stepped up in spring practice:
"I think Mason Harwell is having a great spring. I think he's shown some positive things. I think Josephus Smith has shown some positive things. I think Matthew Gayle has stepped into a role where he feels comfortable now. I think guys are starting to feel more and more comfortable because they're getting more and more reps. We have another eight practices to go and another 29 practices in the fall: we're going to get better."
On what he's seen from the defense as a whole:
"I think Coach (Mark) Powell and our defensive staff – Coach (Keith) Scott, Coach (Dominique) Bowman, Coach (Devon) Beckwith – we're very cohesive. I think we work very well together. I think that translates to the field. We have this thing called F.A.S.T.: Family Always Stays Together, and that starts from the staff. I think our players are buying into that. We're trying to move as one: one team, one heartbeat, one defense. I think the kids are really buying into it and having each other's back and playing together."
Tight End Elijah Brown
On how the offense is coming together:
"I feel like everybody is really starting to hone in on their jobs, and it's showing on the field for sure. At first, we were not as smooth as we are now, but we're getting there for sure."
On what he feels he's improved on in spring practice:
"Perimeter blocking, for sure. Coach (Mark Hudspeth), he emphasizes breaking down and being able to get leverage on the defender."
On what's different in spring practice this year:
"More energy, and the practices are going by a lot smoother. We look a lot cleaner. We're coming together as a team – new staff, new faces – so it's coming together really well."
📸 Time
Practice 8 - March 29
Initially scheduled for Saturday, practice got moved up to Friday to avoid potential inclement weather forecast for Saturday morning. It was a busy night around the athletics block, as music and cheers emanating from "The Fort" intermingled with those from softball across the parking lot recording a two-game sweep against Belmont and baseball across the street hosting Game 1 of its series victory against Belmont as well.
Friday's practice also served as the third junior day of spring ball, and those in attendance were given a show as the Govs continue to become more comfortable with the new schemes and are executing at a faster pace.
But the highlight of the weekend came Saturday morning as 20 children of military parents stationed at Fort Campbell and their families stopped by Fortera Stadium for a day of fun with the football team through Operation Teammate! You can read all about the excitement right here.
