Aug. 11, 2009
NORFOLK, Va. -- It was a quick turnaround for practice number two this morning as the ODU football team had about 12 hours or so in between practices to rest up . After last night's practice ending at 9:30 p.m., it was back to the practice field at the Powhatan Sports Complex at 9:30 a.m. this morning.
Head coach Bobby Wilder spent time looking at the offensive and defensive lines, especially how the new members of the Monarchs factor in. Last fall, the coaching staff felt that clearly their strength was the skilled position players, as that first recruiting class saw depth in the wide receivers and defensive backs. Then this spring, more linemen were added from those who were recruited in the fall, along with mid-year transfers to help bolster the positions.
Of note this morning was the match-up between Virginia transfer Jason Fuller (Va. Beach, Va.) and sophomore Justin Klingerman (Valley Center, Calif.), who joined the squad last January, during one-on-ones.
Feeling that the one-on-ones are one of the most competitive drills, Wilder said "That's the way it needs to be. Our offensive and defensive lines need to set the tone, particularly if we are going to be able to run the ball or stop the run. That's two things we need to do to wins games and you don't get that unless you watch in preseason your o-line and d-linemen in one-on-ones and they are getting after each other."
The Monarchs went to go rest following today's two-hour drills. Newcomers will have orientation in the weight room with strength and conditioning coaches' Ryan Martin and Joe MMakovec. Later in the day, the Monarchs will meet with their position coaches and review video from the first two days of practice.
MONARCH MOMENTS Water, Water, Water: One the biggest issues facing the Monarchs this morning was avoiding dehydration. With the sizzling heat continuing on Tuesday, the Monarchs were constantly pumping fluids into their systems to avoid cramping up and getting tired.
The Tao of the D-Line: "My Philosophy of the defensive line, going back to when I coached the position, is that you have to have eight guys who can play and can roll within a game." - head coach Bobby Wilder
Up Next: The Monarchs add the shoulder pads tomorrow and go full speed for the next two days. "Its full speed, live football off the ground," said Wilder. The Monarchs will go full pads on Saturday and "we'll play some tackle football." Practices are closed to the public.
Media Day: ODU Football media day will be held Wednesday, August 12th. This event is closed to the public. Members of the media wishing to attend, please contact the ODU Sports Information Office by Tuesday.
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