Saturday’s spring football was way too early. The 10 a.m. weekend start just isn’t acceptable for a college student operating on four hours of sleep per night during the school week.
Regardless, it wasn’t a bad day of practice at all. Sophomore Michael Katz and I covered the practice for The Diamondback, and we watched some pretty interesting drills.
New offensive coordinator James Franklin is an intense guy. In one drill, the offense was attempting to score on the defense in a small circle, almost like some sort of gladiator game. Every time the offense scored, all the other offensive players had to run into the circle and celebrate - or face Franklin’s wrath. Numerous tired players got screamed at for their lack of enthusiasm.
Afterward, the team worked on some goal line formations, with the offense scoring on eight of nine plays, including offensive guard Jack Griffin grabbing a fumble in the end zone.
“You ain’t gonna take that from Jack! Not from Jack!” sophomore linebacker Adrian Moten joked on the sideline.
USC transfer sophomore safety Antwine Perez (yes, a new spelling of Antoine/ Antwan/ Antwane / Anton/ Antwone) was particularly impressive in the drills, coming through with some hard hits. Perez should fit in well as senior J.J. Justice’s replacement. Justice was at practice for a while, joking around with his old teammates and talking some football.
Incoming freshman wide receiver Kenny Tate from DeMatha High School was also around, soaking in the scene that he will be joining in the summer.
Finally, around 1:30, I finished up my last interview with running backs coach John Donovan. Not having ate all day, I grabbed some Panda Express on my way through the Stamp Student Union before collapsing in my bed.
By that point, I didn’t even have enough energy to celebrate a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
ajosephdbk@gmail.com