Texas A&M Opens Spring Football on Tuesday

March 21, 2011

.tableheaders {color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold;}

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Coming off of a share of the Big 12 South Division title and a Cotton Bowl appearance, the Texas A&M football team will begin spring drills on Tuesday, Mar. 22.

"In spite of the positive steps we took last year as a team, I believe each year is a new year," Aggie head football coach Mike Sherman said. "For me, it's starting over with a new team--different chemistry, talent and expectations. We gained some valuable experience and confidence in winning some big games in 2010. I do believe that mindset will be something to build upon. I do not believe, however, you can take anything for granted. We started from scratch in January in building our foundation for the 2011 team. This team will be identified by what it does this year, not last season. There are no shortcuts. I am excited about the guys and getting out there on the field with them. We have had a very good off-season and we look forward to that continuing into the spring and throughout the summer."

The Aggies return 10 starters on the offensive side of the football and return eight starters on the defensive unit. The lone starter lost on offense was second-team All-Big 12 selection Matt Allen at center. Defensively the Butkus Award winner and All-American Von Miller, Academic All-American inside linebacker Michael Hodges and second-team All-Big 12 defensive lineman Lucas Patterson have finished their stellar careers.

A total of 60 Aggie lettermen return for the spring and several newcomers will get their first taste of Aggie football. Junior college transfers Johntel Franklin, a defensive back from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Steven Jenkins, a linebacker from Pensacola, Florida, enrolled in January and will go through spring drills. True freshmen Donnie Baggs, a linebacker from Clear Springs High School, Joseph Cheek, an offensive lineman from Seguin High School, and Johnny Manziel, a quarterback from Kerrville Tivy High School, all graduated early and enrolled in spring classes at Texas A&M.

NCAA rules allow for 15 spring practice dates and the Aggies will split most days into two workouts. The morning practices will be conducted inside the McFerrin Athletic Center and the afternoon workouts on the Coolidge practice fields. Due to limited space and the fire codes, the morning practices are closed to the public. The afternoon practices are open to 12th Man Foundation members, football lettermen, current and former students, as well as Texas A&M faculty and staff members. Guests will be asked to check in at the gates of the Coolidge practice fields. For fans safety, observers are requested to stay behind the marked areas of the facility. Practice days and times are subject to change and fans are encouraged to check with the Aggie football office (979-845-1241) or the media relations office (979-845-5725) for any changes. If bad weather forces the team to the indoor facility, the practice is closed to the general public. A reminder, no cameras, video cameras, cell phones or note pads are allowed. Visitors should park in either the University Center or West Campus parking garages to avoid parking citations issued by Transportation Services.

Texas A&M Spring Football Practice Schedule
Day	Date	Time	Event	Location	Open/Closed to Public
Tuesday	March 22	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Thursday	March 24	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Saturday	March 26	10:20am-12:30pm	Practice	Kyle Field	Open
Sunday	March 27	3:10-5:10pm	Practice	Kyle Field	Open
Tuesday	March 29	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Thursday	March 31	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Saturday	April 2	10:20am-12:30pm	Practice	Kyle Field	Open
Sunday	April 3	3:10-5:10pm	Practice	Kyle Field	Open
Tuesday	April 5	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Thursday	April 7	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Saturday	April 9	10:20am-12:30pm	Practice	Kyle Field	Open
Sunday	April 10	3:10-5:10pm	Practice	Kyle Field	Open
Tuesday	April 12	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Thursday	April 14	6:05-7:10am	Practice	McFerrin Indoor Facility	Closed
		4:00-5:20pm	Practice	Coolidge Grass Practice Fields	Open
Saturday	April 16	10:00am	Autograph Session	Gilliam Indoor Track	Open
		1:00pm	Maroon & White Game	Kyle Field	Open