Football Practice Report
August 26, 1999 | Football
Aug. 26, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech football staff is holding its collective breath that the injury bug will steer clear of the practice fields just southeast of Jones Stadium for one more day as the Red Raiders work toward the close of two-a-day drills.
?We have been very lucky so far,? head coach Spike Dykes said following the second of two drills Thursday. ?Most of the nicks, bumps and bruises we have had are getting well and it looks like we can head into game week relatively intact.?
The Red Raiders practiced for about 90 minutes twice Thursday. The morning practice was conducted in shorts and headgear, while the afternoon workout was in full pads. With the exception of pass protection/rush drills in the afternoon, there was no live contact.
Texas Tech concludes two-a-day practices Friday with workouts scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. The Red Raiders are expected to practice on the new artificial turf inside Jones Stadium for the first time Saturday morning, holding a situational scrimmage.
After suffering a bruise and slight cut to his shin early in Wednesday?s scrimmage, Heisman candidate Ricky Williams didn?t miss a beat, going back to work for both practices Thursday. Williams said it is his goal not to miss a single practice during the 1999 season.
?Ricky is fine. He just got a bruise and a slight cut,? Dykes said. ?Football players get bruised and cut every day and keep right on working. It?s not that big of a deal. He did well today.?
Dykes singled out redshirt freshman defensive end Aaron Hunt of Denison, Texas following the afternoon practice. He also noted that the tight ends are making plays and catching his eye.
?Aaron Hunt just continues to impress me. He is making big play after big play,? Dykes said. ?It looks like we are going to have to find a place for him on the football field.?
Texas Tech opens the season Sept. 6 at Arizona State in a Fox Sports Net nationally televised game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CDT. The Red Raiders then travel to Southwestern Louisiana before opening the home portion of the 1999 schedule Sept. 18 against North Texas.