After the workout, A&M fourth-year running backs coach Randy Jordan gave an update on returning starter Cyrus Gray's balky hamstring and the Aggies' running back situations in general. The Aggies have two of the nation's best running backs in Gray and junior Christine Michael, whose 2010 season was cut short by a broken leg in the sixth game of the season.
In Michael's absence, Gray flourished with a 1,000-yard rushing season and carries a seven-game streak of 100-yard rushing games into 2011. Gray, however, has been limited in fall camp due to a strained hamstring. The assembled media corps asked Jordan if he was concerned with Gray missing practice time in camp.
"No. Nope, I'm not concerned," said Jordan, who played nine seasons in the NFL. "Hamstrings are something that if you don't take care of them early they can linger for a long time. Having played the position, I know that if you don't nip it in the bud (hamstring problems can be an ongoing issue). The biggest thing with (Cyrus) is that he's a fast-twitch guy, a tightly-wound guy and I told him, 'Look, we don't play tomorrow, we don't play in three days. Let's make sure we handle it now.' Hopefully by Thursday or Friday, we can get '32' back on the field."
When asked to carry the load in Michael's absence, Gray took his level of play up a notch. Jordan said Gray's breakout season came with more reps.
"Like any good back, his big runs came between 14 and 20 carries," Jordan said. "He got better as the game went along. He got used to the defense. He got more comfortable. He's always wanted to be great, but he had a breakout year last year but that was last year and he's got to prove it all over again."
Despite rushing for 1,133 yards, including an average of 134.0 yards per game in his seven starts, Gray will have to "prove it all over again" because Michael has been a man on a mission since getting back on the field of play, Jordan said.
"Let me tell you this, 'I wouldn't want to tackle (Michael),'" Jordan said. "He's a guy that is built low to the ground. He's got tremendous balance. The thing that people don't see is his work ethic. He's taking notes, he's attentive, he knows what to do, he asking all the right questions. He's being a pro. I think when something is taken from you, you appreciate it more. I can see in his eyes that he wants to be great, and he's doing the things to be great. I can't wait to see '32' and '33' back and battling it out because it's going to be an interesting race to see who's going to be the starter."
Head coach Mike Sherman was asked about the fullback/tight end that will likely be clearing a path for Gray and Michael -- junior Michael Lamothe, who came to A&M as a linebacker.
"Mike has really made a lot of improvement, better body control," Sherman said. "He's very dependable. He's extremely smart, doesn't make mistakes, gives you everything he has. He's going to play and play a lot for us."
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PRACTICE GUIDELINES
· 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.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
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