August 07, 2006
The Texas A&M football team christened a new covered practice field on a stormy Monday afternoon as the Aggies began work for the 2006 campaign.
Head Coach Dennis Franchione put the squad through a little over two hours of practice. The first part of the practice was held on the artificial turf practice field that has a new covering. This is not the new McFerrin Athletic Center, but the facility allowed the team to work without interruption on Monday.
?With the new facility we did not miss any practice time due to weather today,? Coach Fran said.
?I thought the guys moved well and the old guys (returners) had good retention and helped the younger guys out,? Coach Fran stated. ?We are trying to install a lot of things in these first five practices. We are taking advantage of the one-a-day practices with bonus meeting time.?
Coach Fran noted several newcomers caught his eye including running back Mike Goodson (Klein Collins High School), quarterback Jerrod Johnson (Humble High School), junior college transfer linebacker Misi Tupe (Dixie State (UT) College), defensive back Jordan Pugh (Plano West High School) and kicker Matt Szymanski (A&M Consolidated High School).
?I thought Matt (Szymanski) was very cool and calm today,? Coach Fran said. ?There is no doubt when he hits it, it has a nice sound.?
Texas A&M is currently in summer school and some players will have final exams on Tuesday. The squad will work out once a day up through Friday with the first day of actual two practices slated for Saturday.
The Aggies open the 2006 season at Kyle Field against The Citadel on Sept. 2. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.