August 16, 2008
COLLEGE STATION, Texas- The Texas A&M football team scrimmaged for nearly three hours on Kyle Field Saturday morning as the Aggies continued preparations for the 2008 season.
“The great thing about today was that we were able to practice every possible situation known to man in football,” head coach Mike Sherman said. “We practiced short yardage, goalline, redzone, punting, kicking, went for two, had the last eight minutes of the game, four-minute offense and defense, two-minute offense and defense and then we went into overtime and finished by being backed up (to the goalline). The good news is that we were able to practice a lot of things in situations and teach them what those situations are all about. How many guys did it filter into? I don’t know, but you keep hammering them over the head with it and hopefully guys become more educated.”
Highlighting the scrimmage from the offensive side was the running back corps with junior Mike Goodson and true freshman Cyrus Gray delivering numerous big plays via the rush and reception.
“I thought our running backs as a whole played well,” Sherman said. “(Goodson) made some big plays. Cyrus had the long catch on the inside seam route, and Goodson saw that and came back with a play of his own. Goodson finished very well today which was good to see coming off that injury. He was a little bit behind, but he had determination to finish things today.”
Sherman also praised the play of senior defensive end Michael Bennett, whose biggest play of the day was a tackle of Goodson for a safety in the “backed up” situation. Bennett sat out last year’s bowl game due to academic difficulties, but is set to participate in the 2008 season.
“I’m counting on Michael Bennett big-time,” Sherman said. “He’s had his back to the wall. People have ?'X-ed’ him out, but he’s fought back. He dug his own hole, but he’s climbing out. As a football player, I thought he had a good day. He plays with his hands, plays with some toughness and passion. I’m excited about Michael Bennett. I think he’s going to have a heck of a season.”
The Aggies will not practice on Sunday, but will return to the practice field for a pair of workouts on Monday.