August 25, 2004
With game week approaching for the Texas A&M football team and fall training camp winding down, the Aggies took time to honor the school's head yell leader after Wednesday morning's practice.
Coach Dennis Franchione presented Head Yell Leader Ryan Bishop '05 with the traditional 12th Man jersey with Bishop's name on the back.
Following the presentation, Bishop addressed the team, "I am really proud of you and I hope you guys accomplish a lot. Now let's beat the hell outta Utah."
Bishop continued the tradition of the head yell leader attending each of the squad's workouts. Before the implementation of the 105-person squad limit, the head Yell Leader would actually participate in the drills.
The other yell leaders - Keaton Askew '06, Houston Haley '05, Patrick Hebert '06, Paul Terrell '05 - were also in attendance.
The 90-minute practice concluded with a 25-play scrimmage, featuring players that have not been heavily involved in previous scrimmages.
"We cut back a little in practice today," Franchione said. "We go through our gameday script tonight and the next couple of practices will be more mental than physical."
The Aggies will use Thursday's practice to conduct a "mock game." The players go through every part of the Friday/Saturday routine they will experience throughout the season. On the field, they will perform a scripted game that includes every possible situation they could face in competition, including scripted injuries, substitutions, and overtime.
Franchione also cited the impact being made by the redshirt freshmen, noting that there will most likely be a few starters in next Thursday's game from the group. Currently, tight end Joey Thomas and defensive linemen Jason Jack and Joseph "Red" Bryant are listed as starters on the depth chart.
Other redshirt freshmen mentioned were defensive back Erik Mayes and the offensive line trio of Corey Clark, Cody Wallace and Chris Yoder.
"Redshirt freshmen still have some of the same qualities of true freshman," Franchione said. "But they have a better u-nderstanding of the system and have gained strength since last year. I am pretty comfortable with this group and they are intent and prideful about making an impact this year."