Time is flying by, and can you believe it? The Red and White Spring Game presented by Echo Power is this Saturday!
The Govs have three more practices to improve their craft before they put it on display for Austin Peay fans at Fortera Stadium!
Spring Practice Week 3 Rewind
Spring Practice Week 2 Rewind
Spring Practice Week 1 Rewind
Practice 9 - April 2
Prior to practice, the Govs' running backs coach Craig Candeto took some to talk about his journey as a quarterback at the Naval Academy, flying F-18s for the Navy, beginning his coaching career at Austin Peay and returning 10 years later.
The Governors are going to get great work in preparation for the Spring Game this week. Just ask associate head coach Marquase Lovings.
Part of that preparation included multiple special teams drills throughout practice. It is a facet of the game head coach Mark Hudspeth emphasizes every practice, and Tuesday's practice proved to have the crispest sessions so far this spring.
In addition to the offense taking on the defense, Governor fans will also see special teams situations take place during the Spring Game.
Quoting the Governors
Head Coach Mark Hudspeth
On focusing on special teams:
"We really try to hit it every day the same. It's always going to be a big priority. I thought today, though, the kids did a really nice job in the special teams drills, and I thought we had one of our better days of the spring today."
On special teams being a part of spring game:
"We will definitely work special teams in the spring game: all of the areas because we want to get a good look of them on tape. We want to put some guys in positions to see how they'll perform in game-like situations."
On what he wants to see in practice leading to the spring game:
"Just guys in practice getting down their assignments, trying to eliminate missed assignments. They're about to be out there Saturday without the training wheels on. The coaches won't be out there with them, so they better know their assignments and be able to execute at a high level."
Quarterback JaVaughn Craig
On understanding the new offensive system:
"Everything is coming along great. I think guys are really catching on to the playbook and their assignments. I know in the quarterback room, we're a lot more comfortable with things that are going on on the field. Things are starting to slow down a little bit as far as reads and assignments and getting people lined up and executing. Everything is going well. I think we've made a lot of progress since Day One, and we're just continuing to get better."
On what about the new offense is exciting:
"Physical and explosive. We have great running backs in the backfield and we have some explosive guys on the perimeter. Our o-line is great protecting and run blocking. They're doing a great job in jelling up front. We'll go as they go, and so far they've been doing really well. We've had an opportunity to see some of our running backs get loose and make some plays, and we're also throwing the ball downfield as well getting it into our playmakers hands."
📸 Time
Practice 10 - April 3
Due to inclement weather scheduled for Thursday, practice got moved up a day to avoid it. It was the final practice in pads before the Red and White Spring Game, and the Govs took advantage of the time on the field.
Quoting the Governors
Defensive Back Kordell Jackson
On how the defense has come together ahead of the spring game:
"It's coming along pretty well. We're getting all the pieces that we need, we just have to learn the defense and learn the new terminology."
On learning the new defensive scheme:
"I think everybody's learning it pretty well. It takes mistakes to learn, though. We're making mistakes now, and it's good that we're making them now so we can learn from them."
On being a leader on defense:
"A leader is when you're doing the right thing on and off the field, and that's what I'm trying to do to become a leader."
Wide Receiver DeAngelo Wilson
On the offensive cohesion going into the spring game:
"I feel really good. The receivers are starting to get the hang of the playbook, and everybody is starting to feel comfortable while the run the plays. The quarterbacks are getting in a rhythm, and if we keep on going, we're just going to keep on going up from here."
On stepping up as a leader:
"I feel like I just have to set the example for the younger people in the group and keep on doing what I've been doing, and hold everybody to the high standard I get held to and everybody gets held to."
On any differences in the offense:
"I don't expect anything different. If anything, I expect higher expectations than we had last year. The playbook is designed for playmakers to make plays, and if we get the hang of it and just keep on doing our thing, then we're good."
Practice 11 - April 5
Friday's practice was the final tune up before the Red & White Spring Game, so the Govs took the foot off the gas just a touch, practicing only in helmets.
It was also a special occasion, as about 20 football alumni - many slated to participate in the Alumni Flag Football Game before the Spring Game - stopped by practice to check out the new look Govs.
The team met with the alumni after practice, and then those former Gov players were taken to the Echo Power Club Level of Fortera Stadium for a reception with the coaching staff and athletic administration.
One of the absolute greatest at Austin Peay came away impressed with the newest version of the team.
