Fresno State Athletics
Hill Pleased With First Football Scrimmage
8/9/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - After nearly a week of fall training camp, the Fresno State football team participated in its first live scrimmage of the camp. The Bulldogs went through over 100 plays in the scrimmage, which was held in Bulldog Stadium.
"I was very pleased," head coach Pat Hill said. "The first offense was very sharp and I though David Carr was very accurate. You can tell that he and the receiver spent a lot of time working together this summer because their timing was excellent and they looked sharp. For the first scrimmage, I thought it was excellent."
Highlights of the scrimmage were:
* Freshman James Cummings dashed off tackle for a 70 yard touchdown.
* Cornerback Dee Meza had a 55 yard interception return for a touchdown.
* Carr threw a 5 yard touchdown to freshman tight end Stephen Spach.
* Receiver Bernard Berrian made several big plays after catching the ball.
The Bulldogs also worked on their special teams in live situations. All three place kickers on the squad attempted kicks from 26, 35 and 44 yards. Junior Asen Asparuhov and sophomore Brett Visintainer made all three attempts while redshirt freshman Brandon Esparza converted two of three, missing the 35-yard attempt.
Three starters did not participate in the scrimmage due to injuries. Senior cornerback Tierre Sams sat out with an ankle sprain. He could return to practice tomorrow, according to athletics trainer Miguel Ruida. Tight end Jeremy Johnson has a slight calf strain and could also return to action on Friday. Senior receiver Rodney Wright suffered a bruised heal and he is listed as day to day.
Fresno State will have a special teams practice this evening and will resume two-a-day sessions tomorrow. The next scrimmage is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m.
In off the field news, Carr was one of 30 players selected for the Davey O'Brien Award watch list. The Davey O'Brien Award is given annually to the top quarterback in the nation. Last year's recipient was Purdue's Drew Brees. Former Bulldog Kevin Sweeney was the runner-up for the award in 1986, finishing second to O'Brien and Heisman Trophy Award winner Vinny Testeverde. Carr threw for 2,729 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, his first year as a starter.
The Bulldogs will open the season on Aug. 26 at Colorado in the Jim Thorpe Association Classic. Season tickets are available through the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS or online at gobulldogs.com.
