With an outpouring of positive energy coming from Hancock Stadium today, head coach Denver Johnson said that he is really grateful for his 2002 squad and what they have brought to training camp this fall.
All in all, this is exactly how training camp is supposed to be, Johnson said. Again, just the atmosphere and attitudes of the players is really where we want it to be and we are moving along rather nicely in this camp.
After a morning workout that included full pads and a rushing attack focus, the team were in shorts in the afternoon focusing more on its passing game. Wide receiver Vito Golson made some tremendous, one-arm catches during the drills and Johnson commented on his improved abilities.
Vito probably had his best day so far, Johnson said. We focused on some drills that would get him isolated up and he did a great job in those drills doing that. Not only are our receivers starting to emerge but our quarterbacks are making great progress.
Our protection is better than I thought it would be, Johnson continued. It appears we know what we are doing and we are getting on the right guys. We are not nearly at the point we need to be but it appears we are going in the right direction there with the right guys.
NOTES:
Antwan Oliver, a defensive back transfer from Eastern Illinois, started practice with the Redbirds on Monday. He will have to sit out the 2002 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Oliver is a 5-9, 170-pound sophomore from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and has three years of eligibility remaining.
QB Steve Kolodziej remained sidelined with a strained upper bicep he sustained last Thursday in practice. He will be reevaluated in two weeks.
