August 08, 2005
The Texas A&M football team held its first fall training camp workout Monday at the grass practice fields adjacent to Kyle Field.
Lasting more than two hours in intermittent rain, the Aggies donned shorts and helmets for the drills which marked the first practice for A&M's heralded freshmen.
"It was probably a good day, especially for the freshmen with their first day and with their anxiety that they didn't have to worry about the heat," A&M coach Dennis Franchione said. "(The freshmen) all showed athleticism and showed promise."
Franchione was asked which newcomers caught his eyes.
"With the first day in shorts it's harder to stick out," Franchione said. "I think all the young DBs stood in there toe-to-toe with the older receivers."
Franchione noted that freshman receiver Howard Morrow and freshman tight end Martellus Bennett each had a nice day catching the ball.
Frachione said the combination of freshmen and veteran players made for a good blend at the practice.
"There was a lot of retention by the older guys and they're doing a good job of coaching the younger guys and telling them how to do things and where to get to," Franchione said. "They all worked hard and knew the pace of practice, and the freshmen blended in well. All-in-all I was real pleased with what you can do in shorts."
The nation's top dual threat quarterback senior Reggie McNeal threw bullets during the workout.
"(Reggie's) throwing better than last year," Franchione said. "I think his game strength and maturity... I didn't say anything, but he threw a couple of balls and (quarterback) Ty Branyon said 'That one was hot coach.'
"He did throw some bullets today. His arm is lively right now. One thing we want to make sure we do a good job of with the quarterbacks is give them a day of rest from throwing."
Junior running back Courtney Lewis told the media earlier in the day that he would be interested in returning kicks. Franchione said he had not personally discussed the idea with Lewis, but was approving it in advance of a face-to-face meeting.
"(Lewis) might have gone to (special teams) coach (Mark) Tommerdahl and mentioned something to him," Franchione said. "If he wants to be back there, I am all for him being back there. He's got my stamp of approval. If he wants to do (kickoff return and punts), I'll be more than happy to let him do both."
After missing the entire spring training due to injury, senior offensive lineman Jami Hightower did not miss an assignment during the practice, according to Franchione.
"Jami is just a smart football player," Franchione said.
The Aggies will practice once a day through Friday. The team will be in full pads for the first time on Friday. All practices are closed to the public.