Offense Sharper In Second Spring Scrimmage
4/5/2014 12:40:00 PM | Football
The Bearkat offense looked sharper in Sam Houston's second full-contact scrimmage of 2014 spring training Saturday.
Quarterback Don King III, running back De'Chaar Greer and wide receiver Ricky Smith all made stellar offensive plays in various situation work during the hour-long scrimmage.
Head coach K.C. Keeler was pleased with the work but also noted the team still has far to go to be ready for next August's opening game with Eastern Washington.
“We're making progress offensively. We're happy with how the kids competed,” Keeler said. “This was a good workout today with the officials because, with what we're trying to do, they can really help you. Some times in practice, you don't make that offsides call or recognize that illegal procedure penalty. It helps us emphasize the rules with the kids.”
Sam Houston has only two practices left before spring ball ends with the annual Orange-White spring game Friday night at 7 p.m. at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.
“We told the kids we've really made tremendous progress since day one,” Keeler said. “But we're a long way from being ready to compete with an outstanding team like Eastern Washington. We have some big practices coming up this week.”
The coaching staff and players are excited about Friday's announcement that Brian Hess is Sam Houston's new strength and conditioning coach.
“People outside football don't realize how important the strength and conditioning coaches are to the program,” Keeler said. “We've just hired one of the best young strength coaches in America. I worked with Brian at Delaware. With Brian and Kelsey Hite we have a great tandem that will help make us improve to the level where we need to be.
“The strength and conditioning coaches are with our players more than we the coaching staff are. They will help make a difference in what we want to do with the team after the spring game and throughout the summer.”
While the Bearkat defense has slowed by injuries from the end of the 2013 season, the head coach has been impressed with the way the veterans have blended with the newcomers.
“I really like how the guys who aren't playing have kept engaged,” Keeler said. “Today, a bunch of the older guys out there encouraging the young guys. We're coming together as a team.”
The Bearkats have practices next week and Monday and Wednesday next week before the Orange-White spring game April 11. Several exciting events surround the annual spring scrimmage at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.
First, a special football alumni barbeque will begin at 5 p.m. in the north end zone parking lot. Former SHSU football players and their families are invited to the tailtate event which will feature Texas-style barbeque. Cost of the BBQ is $10 in advance and $15 the night of the event.
Sam Houston students and fans can participate in “Bearkat Alley” tailgating in the Northeast Lot at Bowers. SHSU Student Services will provide free food for students with valid Bearkat OneCards while supplies last.
Kids are included in the excitement as well with the “Bearkat Football Experience” at 6 p.m. Youngsters ages 5 through 13 can do drills with the Sam Houston football team on the Bowers turf.
The Orange-White game kicks off at 7 p.m.
Four Sam Houston students will have the opportunity to win a grand prize of free textbooks for one semester in the SHSU Student Services field goal kicking contests at the breaks between quarters. These four students will be randomly selected at the Orange-White game to participate.
At halftime, Sam Houston fraternity and sorority members will compete in a uniform / obstacle relay race. The winning teams will receive prizes from Barefoot Athletics and $300 from Student Services.
“It's going to be a terrific night for Bearkat football,” Keeler said. “We're inviting all football fans to come join in the fun and get their first peak at what the 2014 Bearkat team will look like.”
Sam Houston State begins its 2014 season with the ESPN College Kickoff August 23 versus Eastern Washington in Cheney in a nationally televised football game.
