Texas Tech University Athletics
Addition of Pads Brings Intensity
August 08, 2011 | Football
Texas Tech coaches noticed an increased level of intensity at practice on Monday.
August 8, 2011
Post-Practice Interviews | Red Raiders Add Pads
by Britton Drown
Texas Tech Athletics Communications
The Texas Tech football team strapped on shoulder pads for the first time in training camp on Monday morning at the Football Training Facility practice fields. With the pads, came an increased level of intensity throughout the two-hour team workout on Day 3 of training camp.
Monday marked the first morning workout of fall camp, and the elevated excitement, a product of adding shoulder pads and a slightly increased amount of contact, was felt throughout the entirety of the practice.
The Red Raiders wore helmets, shoulder pads and shorts on Monday and will put on full pads later in training camp.
"We looked lively out there today," head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "Obviously, the first day [in shoulder pads] is going to be pretty energetic."
It's a day of practice, and level of intensity senior offensive lineman Lonnie Edwards has looked forward to.
"The physicality was really high," Edwards said. "Everybody came out with their hair on fire and ears pinned back and we got after it today."
For the first time during camp, the Red Raiders placed an emphasis on special teams, devoting significant time to both the kickoff return and punt return units.
The special teams unit is an aspect of the team Tuberville wants to see significant improvement in during the 2011 season, and with a more athletic squad at his disposal he hopes that's exactly what happens.
"We have got to work a lot on special teams," Tuberville said. "We weren't very good last year in any of our return teams--punt return or kickoff return and we are going to put a special emphasis on that."
With the return of junior running back Eric Stephens , who owns single-season records for both kickoff returns (44) and kickoff return yards (1,077) Tuberville and the Red Raiders should certainly see improvements in the return game during the 2011 campaign.
But, Tuberville mentioned he would like to work in non-starters more in the special teams units.
"We are going to have some different personnel," Tuberville said. "Last year we didn't have enough depth to be good on special teams because most of those guys were starters. When you have to play starters on special teams they don't put full attention on special teams because they have to do so much on whatever position they play.
"Special teams are usually important for your back-ups because they want in the game, and want to have a chance to play and show what they can do."
At Monday's practice, freshman receiver Jakeem Grant, who injured his finger and has had limited work with the receiving core during camp, worked with the kickoff return and punt return units. Grant, a speedy 5-foot-6 receiver, is looking to make an immediate impact on the team, and special teams may just be where he can do that.
"I like what I saw [today]," Grant said. "I have to prove myself to let them know I can be the best [player] for kickoff return."
The Red Raiders will continue training camp on Tuesday morning with practice scheduled for 10:15 at the Football Training Facility.
Notes:
Adding Depth on Defense
With the introduction of the 4-2-5 defense, Tuberville said he is looking to rotate more defensive lineman into games. The second-year coach said ideally he is looking to work in 8-10 lineman per game.
Quote of the Day
"Everybody came out with their hair on fire and ears pinned back, and we got after it today."
- Lonnie Edwards
