NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion football team is six practices in and head coach Ricky Rahne likes where the team is at right now at this point of fall camp.
"We're where we need to be. We're much farther ahead than we were on our sixth day a year ago at this time and ahead of our sixth practice in the spring as well," ODU head coach Ricky Rahne said. "That's the thing you're trying to accomplish. That every year when you get to the same point, you're better than you were than the year before. Practice is our measuring stick. That's how we measure ourselves. How we're doing the little things and executing in practice and right now we're where we need to be."
Due to NCAA rules, the Monarchs wore helmets, shorts and jerseys the first two days. ODU added shoulder pads for practices three, four and five, and were full pads on day six. With the first full padded practice of fall camp, came full go tackle drills.
"I'm incredibly impressed with how we're running to the football and closing space. I thought we tackled very well," Rahne said. "When we need a pass rush, we've got some guys that can go get it. I know how important that is and the coaches are doing a really nice job of getting that going. It starts with coverage and those guys are making them old it long enough to get to the second and third read which allows us to get to the quarterback."
The offense has also had its moments against the defense, especially on the ground.
"Offensively we continue to show we can run the football. We've done a much better job of completing passes and operating against different defenses. Our quarterbacks and wide receivers are seeing the field better."
The Monarchs continue fall camp for the next two weeks as they prepare to take on Wake Forest on Friday, Sept. 3 in Winston-Salem.
ODU hosts Hampton on Saturday, Sept. 11 in the home opener. Season tickets are currently on sale. Fans can go to www.ynottix.com or call the ticket office at 757-683-4444.
Football Fall Camp Practice Report
