University of North Texas Athletics
Green Gang: Practice Potpourri
3/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | Return to Play
By Steven Bartolotta, March 29, 2011, 1:19 p.m.
Four practices are in the books for the football team this spring, only two really count though, and those were the ones in pads. Sorry, but those first two without pads were glorified flag football scrimmages that had me acting like a snake, sleeping with my eyes open. There have been a few interesting tidbits in the Coach McCarney era to touch on. If I were to give this spring season a theme, this would be it.
No More Pillow Fights- The first thing that Coach Mac has made clear to everyone is this team is going to be physical and he wants hitting. It starts with the circle drill, (see below), and he wants to see it last all practice. There have been a few early scuffles between players, but it has been a change of pace from previous ways of doing things. No more obligatory periods dedicated to hitting anymore, that's now period's 1-24.
WWF or Football? - A pretty cool piece of motivation the first two days of pads has been the introduction of the "Championship Belt." It takes place in the circle drill, seen here (warning, you might actually see North Texas players hitting in practice), where the offense and defense go head to head, literally. Coach Mac calls out a player on offense and defense, the two go toe-to-toe and the winner gets a point. The side with the most points wins. Pretty simple, but pretty fun to watch. And as Coach Mac said, "I love the WWF."
The Wright Stuff- Linebacker, yes I said linebacker Will Wright has been quietly making plays during the spring. Recruited as a DB and after spending last year at DB, Wright has been moved to LB this spring and looks the part. He needs to get bigger, but he ended practice yesterday with a nice interception of Brent Osborn. He read the eyes of Osborn and cut right in front of the pass to make the pick.
QB Update- Everyone wants the answer to who will start at QB on Sept. 1 for the Mean Green. It's been a very good battle early on, but emphasis on the early part. Osborn has a lighting quick release but has a long way to go in learning the offense. That's where Thompson has an advantage is having been in the system for two years now, but right now it's fairly even.
Special Harassment- Special teams have been another area of emphasis, but a unique way of working has been with the kickers, namely Zach Olen. Every time he lines up a kick, the defense is going crazy, screaming and yelling. They also introduced a new level of hostility towards Olen at times, tossing cups of water his way, trying to do anything to break his concentration. Hasn't worked a lot, Olen has looked great.
Bynes Working His Way Back- After the devastating Achilles injury last year, WR Chris Bynes is back working his way into the mix. He's still in the yellow jersey, (he's not leading the Tour de France), which means no hitting. He also gets his Achilles iced down just before the end of practice to help with any discomfort or swelling, but he still has that quick burst you saw before the injury last season. Count on him to be a big part of the offense.
A New Number- WR Darius Carey is no longer No. 19, instead he's No. 4. He made the switch this year and said it was for two reasons. One he loved Alex Lott so he didn't want to take that number away from him. The second is the No. 4 is for his grandmother. We tried to kid with Carey after practice yesterday that he needs to match his old number, 19, in touchdowns this season.
Injury Update- Everyone has been relatively injury free except the defensive line. They almost suffered a season-ending injury Saturday morning during the circle drill, but defensive line coach Mike Nelson we are happy to report is okay. Nelly took a wicked shot to the leg that required 16 stitches and is still heavily wrapped, but he pressed on and didn't miss practice.
