Kats fine-tuning with opener two weeks away
8/20/2016 1:07:00 PM | Football
HUNTSVILLE – One day after earning a scholarship, Sam Houston State wide receiver Tyler Scott continued doing what he has most of camp – making plays and finding the end zone.
The redshirt sophomore found pay dirt down the middle Saturday morning as the Bearkats took part in a 60-play scrimmage, their third of fall training camp, as season ticket holders looked onward at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.
“We thought he would be a good walk-on but sometimes you can never tell until you get them here,” head coach K.C. Keeler said. “We got him here and he blocks, runs routes, doesn't make mistakes, catches the ball, competes and is a joy to coach. I think Tyler is going to be an important part of what we do offensively and he can help us on special teams too.”
Scott joins Yedidiah Louis and transfer Derrick Dick among what Keeler calls a “dynamic group of slot receivers.” After catching nine passes for a 86 yards a season ago, it is apparent the Red Oak product will have a bigger hand in this year's offense.
“I've been working for that for a long time,” Scott said. “A lot of my teammates didn't know I wasn't because I carried myself like a person that's on full scholarship does. I've always tried to do everything the right way. I stay quiet, I learn and I play my role. I just waited my turn. It feels great to have the support of my coaches and teammates to just have this opportunity. I don't take it for granted.”
In what was the 16th practice since opening camp on Aug. 5, Keeler praised the defense for its early stops on the morning while adding it is apparent the squad is ready to hit someone other than those in the orange and white.
“It's that time of training camp,” Keeler said. “These guys are mentally shot and physically they are at their breaking point. These are the dog days as they say. I thought there was some chippiness but at the same time, the kids kept it under control. This is probably the toughest phase we're going through right now with the scrimmages being fairly close together. I wanted to have a grueling four or five day period where they had to man up and get it done and they did.”
Meanwhile, the Sam Houston defense held their own, at least early on, against an offense that led the country in first downs (414) and total offense (531.7 yards per game) a season ago. Safety Alfonzo McMillian was among those pleased with the effort.
“I think the execution was great,” McMillian said. “It was much better than last scrimmage. As long as we keep running to the ball, that's the main thing, we should be alright. Great defensive backs have great eyes. It's the eyes and footwork that will help any corner at any time. I think that's the main thing we've worked on and has helped make us a lot better.”
Sam Houston opens the 2016 season in two weeks, taking on Oklahoma Panhandle State on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. from Bowers Stadium. The matchup is the squad's annual Orange Out game with official shirts being sold for just $10 at the University Bookstore, Barefoot Athletics and BearkatGear.com.
Both season tickets and individual game seats are also currently on sale by calling the Sam Houston ticket office at (936) 294-1729 or by visiting GoBearkats.com. The Kats enter the season ranked second nationally and are coming off five straight FCS Playoffs trips.
“I thought our kids came in and competed,” Keeler said. “There was a sense of urgency. It's about getting better and I thought the Bearkats got better today. I am excited to go into the first game knowing we're coming together a little bit better.”
