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Practice Report - Day 8
8/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2010
Tulsa, Oklahoma - The University of Tulsa football team took the field Friday morning at H.A. Chapman Stadium for Day 8 of the preseason training camp. The temperatures started off at a balmy 89 degrees before climbing to 101 degrees by the end of the 2 1/2-hour practice.
The offensive line for the University of Tulsa football team got invaluable experience in 2009. Last year's front five had a revolving door of linemen that featured eight different starting combinations in the 12 games, so that meant younger players were forced into action to acquire vital real-game experience.
"Last year we were young and a lot of people were hurt so we just had to fill in," starting tackle Brandon Thomas said. "This year we're more of a family. We hang out off the field, and we're all more connected. Everybody is working as hard as they can and paying attention to detail more than ever to make sure we are much improved from last year. (Quarterback) G.J. (Kinne) is going to be protected a lot better this year."
The offensive line is healthy heading into the 2010 campaign, and they've had an excellent camp so far.
"We are pleased with the commitment the veterans have made," Head Coach Todd Graham said. "(Guard) Clint Anderson and (tackle) Tyler Holmes are big-time leaders on our team, and I expect them to have great seasons. Last year gave us all some experience, and now we have guys that have been battle tested and know what to expect."
Graham said there are eight linemen who he expects to contribute during the season. Returning with starting experience along with Thomas, Anderson and Holmes are guard Brian DeShane and center Trent Dupy.
Junior guard Eric Sproal, freshman tackle Stetson Burnett and freshman center Jake Alexander are also expected to battle for starting spots this year.
"Fundamentally, we are a lot better than we were last year," Graham said. "I like the emphasis being put on both fundamentals and protecting the quarterback."
Another reason fans should be optimistic about the o-line is the return of coach Spencer Leftwich. Leftwich was a member of the TU coaching staff from 2003-07, and he returns to the Golden Hurricane sideline after spending the last three seasons with North Texas.
Leftwich transformed the Mean Green front five into one of the best in the country during his time there.
During his first season at North Texas, the offensive line ranked 110th in the country with one sack allowed every 14.2 pass attempts. The Mean Green improved to 71st in the nation in 2008 with one sack allowed every 20.5 pass attempts.
In his final season at North Texas, Leftwichs' o-line gave up a mere one sack every 34.4 pass attempts, which ranked 10th in the NCAA.
"Coach Leftwich is the kind of guy players can relate to right away," Holmes said. "He's stepping in and doing a great job with us. He's big on paying attention to detail and working hard on fundamentals. You can tell he really knows what he's doing."
Tulsa opens the 2010 season at defending Conference USA Champion East Carolina on Sunday, September 5th on ESPN 2. Tulsa will open the home season against Bowling Green on Sept. 11th. Season tickets are available at www.TulsaHurricane.com or by calling 918.631.GoTU (4688).
WEATHER REPORT (Friday, August 13)
Starting: Temperature - 89˚, Humidity - 53%
Ending: Temperature - 101˚, Humidity - 24.5%
POST-PRACTICE NOTES
- The team had one 2 1/2-hour session in the morning with shoulder pads and helmets a day after the first scrimmage of the preseason.
- Bryan Burnham and Tony Peoples have both changed positions from defensive backs to wide receivers.
