Full Contact on the Horizon
8/7/2007 3:49:35 PM | Football
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On the eve of the first practice session with full pads and just 24 days before the 2007 season-opener against Washington in the Carrier Dome (August 31, 8:00 p.m., ESPN), head coach Greg Robinson said he likes the focus and intensity he sees on the field.
“I was pleased with the work. I thought that from the offense, defense and kicking game the intensity was what we were looking for,” Robinson said. “If you have the focus you will eventually get things right and I thought the focus was very good.”
Syracuse begins the 2007 season on Friday, August 31 in the Carrier Dome against Washington (8:00 p.m., ESPN). Tickets are available online (click here) or at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).
Several members of the squad earned Robinson’s attention during the first four practices, including running backs Jeremy Sellers and Derrell Smith, tight ends Jawad Nesheiwat and Mike Owen and defensive tackle Arthur Jones.
“In the running game, I noticed (Jeremy) Sellers and I think Derrell Smith did some things out there,” Robinson said in response to the media after practice. “J.J. (Jawad) Nesheiwat has had four very good practices. A guy who has showed a little something is (tight end) Mike Owen and it has been good to see. He has only practiced at tight end for four days. I’ll tell you what, he is a quick learner. The wide receivers, I think as a corps, we have really felt them throughout four practices. On defense, I felt Arthur Jones – felt him a little bit today. That is a lot of people right there and that’s just off the top of my head, but there are some people out there who are working.”
Robinson and the Orange staff are using preseason camp to audition several members of the squad for the special teams units.
“We’re trying a lot of people in all phases of the kicking game,” Robinson said. “We’re working to find out who can make a difference. With the ball on the thirty-yard line now on the kickoff, your kickoff coverage team is going to get challenged more and your kickoff return team is going to have the opportunity to make plays. We are going to spend a lot of time on those two phases. And, in punt coverage and punt return, we’re going to always work. We have that started, as well. It’s too early to say who it will be, but I’m really looking forward to waiting and seeing how that all plays out.”
On Thursday (Aug. 9) the Orange has its first double-session on the practice field. Tune in to Orange All Access for comprehensive coverage of the Orange.
