Aug. 15, 2008
Norfolk, Va. - Day two of the Old Dominion University preseason football camp was marked not only by the continued teaching of fundamentals and technique, but also a few standout performances from individuals at numerous positions.
The 24 period, two hour and 20 minute practice began with special teams work and quickly moved into more individual position drills. Offensively, the quarterbacks concentrated on their footwork before coming together with the running backs to work on the timing of the zone read. On the defensive side of the ball assistant coach Dealton Cotton introduced the rip and club technique to the front four, in addition to installing a stunt.
Midway through the morning players came together for a rotating six-station special teams circuit that lasted three periods.
Practice resumed with the defensive segments working on reading keys from their respective positions, while the quarterbacks and wide receivers continued to work on becoming familiar with one another with the running of several routes.
Periods 16-18 were reserved for 1-on-1 sessions and several players made it a point to grab the attention of the coaching staff. Teyron Burden got things started in the battle of the wide receivers and the defensive backs, when he caught a touchdown pass from Bobby Cooper in the left corner of the end zone. DeAnthony Jones and John Hyman gave the defensive backs something to celebrate soon after. Jones broke in front of a post route by Michael E. Williams and nearly picked off the pass from quarterback Tommy Reamon. Despite the great play Jones quickly hit the ground for some pushups as punishment from defensive backs coach Chip West for dropping the interception. Hyman did haul in an interception on a Reamon pass intended for receiver Carnell Perkins who was running a fade route in the right corner of the end zone.
Reid Evans, Alex Arain and Williams also added touchdown receptions, while defensively Craig Wilkins gave the defensive backs another interception.
Down in the trenches defensive lineman Chris Burnette proved to be too much for any offensive lineman he lined up against. Using a variety of moves to rush the passer, Burnette was successful more often than not. In just his second day of organized football, Abdou Maba Ba showed flashes of the athletic ability that caught the attention of the coaching staff that discovered him playing pick-up basketball on campus.
Lining up at guard, Travis Peyton did register several pancake blocks, while Chad Lucas also turned in several solid reps.
The coaching staff introduced the PAT/field goal unit and Andrew Turner was the long snapper, Bobby Cooper the holder and Drew Hareza the kicker.
The final period gave the units a chance to square off against one another and the defense appeared to get the upper hand. After a great diving catch from receiver Carlos Davis on a slant route, the defense got interceptions on back-to-back plays from Donald Smith and linebacker Vondre Combs who hauled in a Cooper pass that was tipped by Michael Colbert.
Practice #3 is tomorrow at 9 a.m. with players dawning shoulder pads for the first time.