Pirates Ready For First Full-Pad Session
August 06, 2007 | Football
Aug. 6, 2007
GREENVILLE, N.C. - East Carolina completed its final tune-up before engaging in full gear work with a rain-shortened two-hour practice in shorts and shoulder pads on Hight Field at the Cliff Moore Practice Facility Monday afternoon.
Beginning Tuesday, the Pirates will don full pads for each of their traditional workout sessions, which includes the preseason camp's first of three official two-a-day practices scheduled for Wednesday.
"I think we're all ready to take the next step," head coach Skip Holtz said. "The leadership the upperclassmen have provided so far has allowed us to get off to a great start and get prepared for what lies ahead. We have a lot of work ahead of us but I'm looking forward to playing football again (wearing pads) Tuesday. It's at this point where we start getting some lines of separation."
Somewhat similar to Sunday's workout, ECU intended to conduct a live 20-minute scrimmage-like team session at the end of practice but the action was halted when thunderstorms moved into the area. While the rain was a welcome sight for a parched Pitt County, storm-produced lightning forced the team off the field around 5:15 p.m.
As has been the case each night, the East Carolina coaching staff conducted two hours of team, special teams and position meetings after Monday's workout before dismissing the squad for a 9:00 p.m. dinner.
NOTES: A pair of defensive linemen, tackle Khalif Mitchell and end Scotty Robinson, did not participate in drills Monday after suffering separate knee injuries late Sunday ... The playing status for both players is still being evaluated ... Tuesday's Practice Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Season Opener: Sept. 1 vs. Virginia Tech (12 noon).
