Season in sight as Kats host first practice
8/5/2016 2:47:00 PM | Football
HUNTSVILLE – In order to compete for a national title, the Bearkats will need to practice like a championship-caliber team.
That was the message from Sam Houston State football head coach K.C. Keeler as the squad opened its fall slate with a two-hour practice on Friday morning at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium.
“I expect to be a little bit sharper,” Keeler said. “I thought we had a great summer. Our kids are really in shape but for some reason, we weren't quite up to our standards the first day. That sometimes happens because we can't practice with them in the summertime and they're on their own.”
The first session was an introduction for several new players, including those who are fighting for spots at the wide receiver position among others. While the unit is led by First-Team Preseason All-Southland honoree Yedidiah Louis, others will be expected to make an impact.
At quarterback, junior Jeremiah Briscoe suited up with the first team and will have reigns of the squad for the first time since joining the team a season ago. The Houston native was joined by freshmen Cody Brewer and Caleb Griffin, a pair getting accustomed to the Kats fast-paced tempo.
“They are just really trying to figure out where the ball is supposed to go,” Keeler said. “I think that those guys who just got here and are really going at our tempo for the first time, they aren't going to do as much the first day. We get a chance to coach them now and they need to grow in the next seven days.”
A position the Bearkats believe could be a strength of the team due to its depth is running back. There, Sam Houston returns Third-Team Preseason All-America Corey Avery along with Remus Bulmer, who provided a late spark a season ago. Houston transfer Javin Webb also joins the group.
“It keeps us all healthy which is what we need,” running back Remus Bulmer said. “By the end of last year, everyone was banged up so it can keep us healthy. It's a new team, new players and new coaches. We're starting from the bottom and building up.”
Meanwhile, new defensive ends coach Clayton Carlin, who comes to Sam Houston after a four-year stint as defensive coordinator at Coastal Carolina, was among those getting acclimated.
“Clayton Carlin has been here five days,” Keeler said. “Some of the guys he met in his room for the first time today because our guys were finishing up classes and were off last week. I was really impressed watching Clayton coach out there. I was really happy with what I saw there.”
Despite five straight FCS Playoffs berths, quick starts have eluded the Kats the last two seasons, something that is a major focus. A season ago, Sam Houston started 0-2 before winning eight of its final nine regular-season games.
“Before all summer long we were talking about getting that extra 10 percent in order to get to and win the national championship,” quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe said. “Now that we're in camp, all that is behind us. We can't get there unless we win game one. It's each game at a time and I think that is something we hadn't done in the past. That's what we're trying to do.”
The squad will hold its second practice on Saturday morning as Keeler looks for continued improvement from a team ranked second nationally by STATS FCS. The Bearkats are expected to practice two hours each day in the mornings before taking Wednesday off.
“Our expectations are that if we're talking about possibly being the top team in the country, then you need to practice like the top team in the country every day,” Keeler said. “If you're not, then someone is catching you. That's the expectation.”
Sam Houston opens the season on Sept. 3 against Oklahoma Panhandle State from Bowers Stadium. Season tickets are currently on sale by calling (936) 294-1729. As additional incentive, Friday kicked off 'prize week' with apparel, tickets, gift cards and more up for grabs each day.
