Fresno State Athletics
Dogs Pop Pads for First Time
4/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 14, 2007
FRESNO. Calif. - Pat Hill decided to start spring practice later than previous years, but it didn't take Hill or the Dogs long to don the pads and get aggressive in practice. During the fourth practice this week the Bulldogs went through a two-hour practice session in full pads Saturday, the first time the team competed in full contact since December. The Dogs continue with one more practice session early Sunday afternoon.
Hill was excited with the energy and enthusiasm of the practice, but said more work needs to be done to get ready for the 2007 season.
"It was alright," said Hill of the practice. "We have some work to do, but the guys have been working hard and it was nice for them to lace it up and be able to hit someone for a change. We had some guys flying around the football. This was a good day for teaching and we will learn a lot after watching the film."
A couple key contributors in the 2005 season who suffered through injuries in 2006 looked to be back to full strength during the practice. Senior linebacker Marcus Riley, a 2005 starter who suffered an injury in the USC and was unable to be fully ready for the 2006 season, looked sharp, as did fellow linebacker Quaadir Brown. Brown missed the entire 2006 season with an injury. Senior running back Clifton Smith, who like Riley was hampered in 2006 from an injury suffered in 2005, had several opportunities running and catching the ball. Sophomore running back Lonyae Miller, junior quarterback Tom Brandstater and sophomore safety Marvin Haynes all practice well in the live full contact session according to Hill.
"It felt good to be out there and hit someone for a change," said Riley. "We have a lot of work to do, through. All in all, it was pretty good."
Several former Bulldogs standout players visited Saturday's practice, including 2006 stalwarts Chris Denman, Dwayne Andrews and Alan Goodwin. Other former Dogs on hand were Brian Morris, Deandre Gilbert, and Jamal Jones. Former Bulldog player and head coach Darryl Rogers was also in attendance.
Fresno State will continue the spring session through April 30, during which time the team can have 15 practice sessions. The Dogs will hold their annual Spring Scrimmage on Saturday, April 28, at 2 p.m. in Bulldog Stadium. Admission is free.
Bulldog Staff Hosts High School Coaching Clinic
Hill and his staff welcomed over 200 high school coaches from nearly 60 high schools for a coaching clinic on campus. The visiting coaches heard from Hill and other coaches during the morning session and watched the Bulldog practice in the afternoon. This coaching clinic has become a Fresno State spring tradition, as Hill works to paint the Valley red.
"It's great to see so many high school coaches on campus today," said Hill. "There are great coaches and great programs in the Valley. We love having them come and see our program close up."
Join the State - Fresno State! Information on 2007 Bulldog season tickets are available by clicking the tickets icon at the top of this page.
