Questions still remain for football in fall
Spring football practice has ended and the team has answered some defensive questions, but the quarterback issue still remains unresolved.
Saturday’s practice, which featured the offense vs. the defense in several full-speed situations, is the last practice until the team meets for training camp in August.
“I felt last year that we were a poor tackling team and I’d say right now we are a good tackling team,” said Head Coach Mike DeBord.
Major improvements need to be made with a defense that allowed 31.5 points per game last season, as the team posted a 3-8 record.
Lingering quarterback questions still remain, but DeBord felt the play of the position improved throughout the spring sessions.
“This last week I think the quarterbacks have gotten better. We’ll go back and look at the tapes and talk to them this week about where we stand as we head into training camp,” DeBord said of the five players trying out for the job.
DeBord wouldn’t disclose a front-runner as he wants to address the players themselves before disclosing where they stand at the position.
Last year, Derrick Vickers started the year as signal-caller, but a knee injury forced him to the sideline while Derek Gorney took over. Also taking snaps this spring were Darren Tooley, Grant Arnoldnik and 6-5 redshirt freshman Kent Smith. Arnoldnik was held out of Saturday’s action with a shoulder injury.
Sophomore linebacker Anthony Tyus also made a big impression on the coaching staff with his play in the spring.
“(Anthony) is now looked at by us as a starter. He really made some strides over the spring,” DeBord said.
DeBord also pointed to a trio of redshirt sophomores that will help improve a secondary that was hurt by graduation. James King, Omari Colen and Ron Bartell’s improved play will help ease the loss of starters Rico Epps and Tedaro France.
Central’s young cornerbacks had some early troubles with the deep ball in the spring, but DeBord said with more zone coverage in the fall, it won’t be under as much pressure as last year’s group.
Over the summer, DeBord is looking for continued improvement in all areas.
“We have almost the whole team here all summer, and we need to improve in several individual areas. Strength, agility, speed and overall conditioning need to be worked on as well as individual technique.”
The incoming freshmen also should help, especially in skill positions on both sides of the ball.
“It’s tough for freshman linemen to come in and make an immediate impact, but we expect some help with skill guys on offense and with some secondary guys as well,” said DeBord.
DeBord specifically mentioned incoming wide receivers like Markus Naves and Obed Genaille, and safeties Jason Smith and Doug Kress as players who may help right away.
The Chippewas will open in the fall by hosting Sam Houston on Aug. 29.
