August 26, 2005
The No. 17-ranked Texas A&M football team began installation of the gameplan for the Sept. 3 season-opener against Clemson during Friday's workout at the grass practice fields.
"We did a little bit against each other and worked a little bit on Clemson today," Franchione said. "It was good preparation and they came back pretty good from last night's workout.
"We started subtly working on Clemson yesterday and today. We haven't done a lot of talk about Clemson. We haven't even given the scouting report to the players yet. We'll start that this weekend in earnest. They'll hear a lot more about Clemson now for the next several days. I don't believe you start too early on a team. I think you have a bad opportunity to play the game too early when you start on it too early. We want to be peaking at the right time."
After the practice, Franchione praised the efforts of fifth-year senior Jason Carter, who came to Texas A&M as an NCAA partial qualifier but worked hard to regain his final season of eligibility.
"Jason always has a desire and willingness to jump in there and do what is needed," Franchione said. "I think he's wanting to do more in the kicking game than ever before. He is in great shape. He's a little bit like the Energizer Bunny. I see him still running and going hard when other guys are starting to fatigue a little bit. He's worked hard and he knows this is his senior year. He's pushed himself to get to this point and he wants to make the best of it."
Franchione praised Carter's leadership ability, and noted that he had been added to the Leadership Council.
"Jason's been a guy that has passed the test of time," Franchione said. "It's been a challenge for him with the cards he started with. (His teammates) recognize his work ethic. He's worked harder than he ever has in the weight room. He's stronger than he's ever been. He's worked hard on the practice field. Jason is a guy that will speak up when you need somebody to speak up. He's not afraid to do that."
Franchione also touched on the Aggies' special teams, which he said will be equipped with more starters and top backups than ever before.
"I don't think they're any doubt that the attitude about who plays on special teams had to change here, and that's been a process," Franchione said. "It's just now getting to where I think it should be. We should have to get the starters off (the special teams), not trying to get them on. The first year that was a pretty foreign thought process for them. The second year it got better, but nothing like it is this year. I think the emphasis we put on the kicking game has helped them understand that we have to do more than that."