March 31, 2005
For the third day this week the Aggies worked extensively in situations Thursday, working out in shoulder pads, helmets and thigh pads for the 11th of 15 spring practices. Head coach Dennis Franchione once again pointed to offensive improvement as a highlight of the day.
The team takes Friday off, then returns to Kyle Field for a full scrimmage Saturday afternoon. At 3:15 p.m. the Aggies will go through 12-15 goal line scrimmage plays, then kick off the scrimmage at 3:30 p.m. The scrimmage is open to the public at no charge, and more than 135 high school coaches will attend to conclude the annual Texas A&M Coaching Clinic.
The scrimmage will play out with ones against ones, twos against twos, and threes against threes, utilizing a full live kicking game.
Thursday's situation work included first downs, third downs in two different segments of practice, Red Zone offense, option offense, passing under pressure, and the two-minute "Mayday" drill for both offense and defense.
"This week we've worked a lot of different segments," Franchione said, "about everything except overtime. We worked overtime during the week before spring break, and we will again next week."
He told reporters that everything that's been put in this week is somewhat of an overload for the younger players. "But we have to teach to the highest level, and the younger guys have to come up to it," Franchione commented.
Third down efficiency on both sides of the ball is a major point of emphasis this spring. During the first half of spring practices the defense tended to dominate what's become known as the Third Down Challenge that ends every practice. Thursday, for the second session in a row, the offense dominated - both in team segments in which 10 third down plays took place, and in the Challenge at the end which always features a best three-out-of-five.
In comments to reporters covering practice, Franchione referred to specific questioning about outstanding performance from wide receiver L'Tydrick Riley and redshirt freshman converted outside linebacker Stephen Hodge. "Tydrick is a valuable part of our offense, probably the best hands on the team," Franchione said. "He's big enough to be an effective blocker, he's intelligent, and he's valuable in several phases of the kicking game. Coaches appreciate him because he's a versatile athlete you can count on down in and down out."
Hodge moved to the 'rover' position vacated by senior Keelan Jackson and, the coach said, he has adapted quickly and well. "The move has been good for him, and we needed somebody to fill that role." Hodge has been working with the first unit, along with senior Archie McDaniel and junior Justin Warren who have alternated play-to-play between the middle and the other outside linebacking spot.
Four practices remain - Saturday's scrimmage, next Tuesday and Thursday, and finally the Maroon and White Game presented by Gallery Furniture at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9.
Practice notes:
* Director of Operations Charley North, nine Aggie football players, the Yell Leaders, and Reveille plan to visit the University Apartments Community Center and make a presentation about our football program Saturday to the TAMU International Students Association. The visit is scheduled from 6-8 p.m.
* Dominique Steamer moved back to center again with the second offense, backing up Cody Wallace. Last year's starting center Chris Yoder worked at guard with the second unit.
* Both punters, Richie Bean and Danny Tyroch, displayed excellent leg strength. Tyroch hit one punt about 60 yards.
* Walk-on wide receiver Peter Martin has worked himself into the regular rotation. He practiced with both the first- and second-team offense.
* Walk-on sophomore linebacker Nathan Haile moved up to the second unit at Rover in place of injured Renuel Greene.