University of North Texas Athletics
Day Five Notebook: Full Pads, Full Go
8/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
DENTON -- Though Friday's practice was cut a bit short due to lightning in the area, the Mean Green again maintained the intensity that has become a staple in week one. Friday marked the first day of camp with full pads, which seemed to inject a bit more excitement into practice. It was also the first day of practice for Kansas State graduate transfer Demonte Hood, a defensive tackle.
For those interested in coming out to Saturday's scrimmage at Apogee Stadium, due to potential inclement weather the start time has been moved up to 9 a.m. CT.
Defensive Play of the Day: Redshirt sophomore defensive back Andrew Jones (Mesquite) wowed his teammates and coaches with a huge pass break-up during the 11-on-11 period. Quarterback Alec Morris (Allen) threw a well-placed fade toward the back corner of the end zone that seemed destined for a score, but Jones timed his jump perfectly to reach the ball at its apex to knock it away from wide receiver Willie Robinson (Fort Worth).
Pass of the Day: Freshman quarterback Mason Fine (Locust Grove, Oklahoma) impressed on a downfield throw across his body during the individual period, gunning a pass 25 yards on a dime to hit his receiver in stride while rolling to his left.
• Tight end Kelvin Smith, a redshirt freshman out of Spring, Texas, made an acrobatic adjustment to a ball thrown over his shoulder during the individual period to haul it in for a catch.
• During special team drills, junior college transfer Joshua Wheeler earned plenty of plaudits from his coaching staff while working on punt block technique.
• Freshman receiver Tyler Wilson (Arlington) made an impressive leaping grab on a ball delivered by Morris during one-on-ones.
• During 11-on-11s, Sulphur Springs, Texas, junior running back Willy Ivery made a big play on a dump-off underneath by Morris. Ivery was in loads of space and burst into the secondary for a large gain.
• Whitehouse, Texas, sophomore defensive back Nate Brooks impressed during 11-on-11s when he came completely free on a corner blitz that would have resulted in a sack of Fine.
• Junior college transfer running back Anthony Wyche showed off his speed on a run off tackle during the 11-on-11 period, getting to the edge and turning up field quickly to pick up a solid gain.
• Devin O'Hara showed some good arm-strength and placement on a throw late in the team period, connecting with Robinson for a 12-yard gain on the sideline.
• Redshirt sophomore linebacker Brandon Garner of Mansfield made a nice defensive play on the final drive of 11-on-11s when he teamed up with freshman defensive back Khairi Muhammad (DeSoto) to break up a pass intended for receiver Terian Goree.
Follow Mean Green football on social media throughout fall camp and the season. Get live updates during games on Twitter and Instagram @MeanGreenFB, or look for updates and photos at Facebook.com/MeanGreenFB. Go to MeanGreenSports.com for full game recaps and the latest news on the football program.
