First day in pads sees offense take leading role for Golden Eagles
The offense, bolstered by outstanding play from the offensive line, seemed to hold the advantage Monday morning as Tennessee Tech went through its first action in full pads with a two-hour practice session.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- A welcome breeze floated through Tucker Stadium and cooled things off Monday morning on the turf of Overall Field as the Tennessee Tech football team went through its first session of fall camp in full pads under overcast skies. The offense, bolstered by outstanding play from the offensive line, seemed to hold the advantage during the two-hour session.
"The offensive line kind of took it to them today," said veteran head coach Watson Brown. "That's a good thing. We've seen our offense move the ball, but we haven't seen it like this in a couple of years. They haven't been this physical. Then again, it's the first day. We'll see what happens tomorrow. It could be the other way."
Brown reminded reporters that a head coach can never be completely satisfied, since a good day from the offense means his defense showed room for improvement.
The team spent its first three days of camp in shorts plus shoulder pads, and the coaching staff was looking at teaching players techniques and schemes, while the players were concentrating on conditioning and absorbing the information.
"This next two week is really busy," Brown said. "We'll get an awful lot done during that time."
That stretch will include scrimmages on the next two Saturdays, including the popular Gathering of Eagles on Saturday, Aug. 22. That day featured a Women's Clinic at 10:30 in which Brown will speak with women in attendance about football, and the participants will have the opportunity to get out on the field for a few exercises and drills. The clinic is free, but space is limited. Persons interested should call (931) 372-3940 to register. The day also features a Kid's Zone, a Kid's Clinic, and a free picnic lunch beginning at 12:30 p.m. before the 2 p.m. scrimmage.
The team will be available afterward to sign autographs on the field.
Four players watched Monday's practice, missing out on participaing because of various minor injuries that kept them idle. They were wide receivers Brock McCoin and Tyler Harrell, offensive tackle Lowell Furlow and tight end Jacob Edgington.
"It doesn't matter whether its a returnee or a newcomer, any time someone has to miss practice because of an injury affects everyone," Brown said. "It's important for them to be able to get back into the action as soon as possible."
A handful of players are working extra hard at learning their position, as they are in new positions since spring drills. Runningbacks Stephen Bush and Isaiah McKinney are now playing on defense. Bush has moved to strong safety, while McKinney is playing at rover. Meanwhile, two cornerbacks have switched to offense, and are working at runningback. They are redshirt freshman Jalen Manning, who comes to Tech from Carthage, Tenn. and Smith County High School, and redshirt junior Adam Spence, from Wartburg, Tenn., who transfered to TTU from the University of the Cumberlands.
