Posted by SJSdude on 3/17/2008, 6:27 am
Link: http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1413644
198.246.227.2
Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics
Release: 03/16/2008
"I really like the way the guys are playing. I like the way they are competing." - Dick Tomey
Sophomore Duke Ihenacho returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns highlighting a strong effort by the defense in the first San Jose State University spring football scrimmage in Spartan Stadium.
“We’ve had five practices in 10 days. I think we’re making good progress. Obviously, our defense is way ahead of our offense. If that’s not true right now, you’re in bad shape. For every team in the country, your defense should be ahead of the offense early in spring practice. We have a much more experienced defense. They’re really flying around. The coaches are doing a great job of getting the guys to play at a high tempo,” said head coach Dick Tomey after the 90-minute scrimmage.
“There were a lot of good things (in the scrimmage). I’m mostly excited about the way the defense is playing. They’re playing hard. I think the offense will come around. Half of our offensive line is out.”
The offense scored its only touchdown of the 60-play scrimmage on a 9-yard pass by Myles Eden to running back Cameron Island. Jared Strubeck, who handled all of the kicking responsibilities in the scrimmage, made field goals of 26 and 29 yards.
“I was really impressed with Myles Eden just as far as the first day (of scrimmaging) is concerned. He is clearly ahead at quarterback. He’s played more (in the past) and made some terrific plays (today),” Tomey commented about the offense’s efforts.
The San Jose State coach also singled out Strubeck, Mohammed Marah and defensive linemen Liam Smith and Kalvin Crerssel.
“He (Marah) moved to linebacker and lost 40 pounds. He’s really shown some good stuff. Liam Smith was not a major contributor last year, but has really done a nice job. Kalvin Cressel – the same way. There are some real good signs. We’re excited about the way the defense is playing,” said Tomey, who was very happy there were no injuries during the scrimmage.
Right now, it looks like Jared Strubeck will be our punter. He’s done some real good things.”
Spartans’ next practice is Wednesday, March 19, at 7:30 a.m. and is the last practice session before Spring Break.
“I really like the way the guys are playing. I like the way they are competing. That’s the main thing right now,” reflected the San Jose State head coach now in his fourth season who expects to give more plays an opportunity to display their position flexibility.
“That’s what this is all about – looking at guys in different positions, coaching technique, coaching fundamentals and giving ourselves a chance to have the football team we want to have in the fall.
“It’s a process and it’s a process that will take a lot of patience. You just can’t give up on anybody or anything after five days. You’ve got to keep working. At the end of spring practice, we’ll be further ahead than we are now, but we still won’t be close to where we’re going to be in the fall.”
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