COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M football players and coaches were back in action Wednesday evening as the No. 9 Aggies took part in a two-hour practice that started inside the McFerrin Indoor Facility before finishing outside on the Coolidge Grass Practice Fields.
Following the workout Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman took a few minutes to address the media in attendance.
"We have a very specific installation of offense, defense and special teams that we have to evolve through," Sherman said when asked about his practice plans for the squad during the first few days of camp. "That teaching process is pretty intense because there is an awful lot of stuff the kids have to go through. That process as much as anything; along with the mechanics of getting lined-up, matching formations, snap count cadence ... those things make up a lot of the nuances (of the first few days of fall camp) rather than just running out there and lining up."
Sherman also spoke about the difference in attitude of this year's team as it works through the early days of fall camp.
"I think the guys are a little more mature. You tell them something one time and they get it. When you walk around the field, everybody is talking football so they are pretty focused. I thought today was really good that way with great focus. Our guys are really trying to get better, they are making some mistakes but they are trying to get better."
Among the young players providing energy and pressing for playing time was freshman running back Will Randolph, who caught Sherman's eye Wednesday.
"I thought Randolph did a nice job running the football. He did put the ball on the ground but he showed some speed turning the corner and made a nice catch for a touchdown so he probably stood out to me the most."
Redshirt freshman receiver Malcome Kennedy also drew praise from Sherman for his performance during the team's first couple practices.
"Malcome is having a good camp through two days. He's bigger, stronger and faster than he was last year and he knows a lot more about what he needs to do. He's worked extremely hard since he's been here so I can't say enough about him."
Another note of interest, Sherman will deliver the address Thursday during Texas A&M's commencement convocation. His address is set for 5:30 p.m. at Rudder Auditorium prior to commencement ceremonies which will take place at Reed Arena on Friday.
Â
Â
* PRACTICES TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
* Practices inside the McFerrin Indoor facility are closed to the public due to fire codes.
* Practices are open to players' families, lettermen, current students, former students, faculty and staff with TAMU ID and 12th Man Foundation members.
* No cameras, cell phones or note pads allowed.
2011 TEXAS A&M FOOTBALL PRACTICE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, Aug. 11
8:25 -10:45 am - Practice #3-expect part of practice in indoor facility
FRIDAY, Aug. 12
8:25-10:45 am - Practice #4
SATURDAY, Aug. 13
8:25 -10:45 am - Practice #5
SUNDAY, Aug. 14
8:25 - 10:45 am - Practice #6
4 - 5:15 pm - Practice #7 (McFerrin Indoor Facility)
MONDAY, Aug. 15
8:25 - 10:45 am - Practice #8 (Probably Kyle Field)
TUESDAY, Aug. 16
8:25 - 10:45 am - Practice #9
4 - 5:15 pm - Practice #10 (McFerrin Indoor Facility)
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 17
8:25 - 10:45 am - Practice #11
THURSDAY, Aug. 18
8:25 - 10:45 am - Practice #12
4 - 5:15 pm - Practice #13 (McFerrin Indoor Facility)
FRIDAY, Aug. 19
7:30 - 9:45 am - Practice #14
SATURDAY, Aug. 20
6:35 - 8:30 pm - Practice #15 (Kyle Field)
SUNDAY, Aug. 21
Possible day off from practices.
MONDAY, Aug. 22
7:30 - 9:45 am - Practice #16
TUESDAY, Aug. 23
7:30 - 9:45 am - Practice #17
4 - 5:15 pm - Practice #18 (McFerrin Indoor Facility)
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 24
4:05 pm - Practice #19-NO MEDIA ALLOWED
"Countdown to Kickoff Dinner"
THURSDAY, Aug. 25
8:25 - 10:45 am - Practice #20
FRIDAY, Aug. 26
8:25 - 10:45 am - Practice #21