August 09, 2005
The Texas A&M football team practiced for more than two and a half hours in shorts, jerseys and helmets Tuesday afternoon at the grass practice facility near Kyle Field.
A&M coach Dennis Franchione described the workout as solid and continues to be impressed with the way the veterans and newcomers are working together.
"I thought we had a good day and I'm glad the weather held for us," Franchione said. "It got a little warmer, but that was good. We got a lot more installation done. We've had two solid days in shorts and helmets. We've thrown a lot at them and put a lot of offense and defense in in two days. The older guys have done a good job retaining and the younger guys have done a fairly good job of learning. That's encouraging and a tribute the older guys for helping them."
After the workout, Franchione noted the efforts of the kickoff specialists Layne Neumann and Richie Bean.
"I was pleased today that Richie Bean and Layne Neumann kicked every kickoff out of the endzone," Franchione said. "They were unreturnable and that was very pleasing. And there wasn't that much wind out there today. Right there your kickoff team is going to better if you have guys doing those sorts of things."
Franchione also noted that Bean is punting the ball more consistently after two practices.
The Aggies will practice once on Wednesday and Thursday in shoulder pads before donning full pads on Friday. The second semester of summer school concludes Wednesday.
A&M is ranked No. 17 in the USA Today Coaches Top 25 and will start the season at Clemson on Sept. 3 in a game televised by ABC Sports.