Pirates Crisp In First Full-Pad Workout
August 07, 2007 | Football
Aug. 7, 2007
GREENVILLE, N.C. - After preparing for its initial full-pad workout with four introductory sessions to open preseason camp, the Pirates finally put on full gear for the first time in the 2007 campaign and responded with a spirited two-hour practice on Hight Field at the Cliff Moore Practice Complex Tuesday night.
Because of temperatures that eclipsed the 100-degree mark and heat indices that pushed near 115 during the afternoon, third-year head coach Skip Holtz pushed the start time back to 7:00 p.m. Despite the schedule deviation, he was pleased with his squad's sharpness while it completed another phase of preseason work. ECU wrapped up the practice with another 30-minute team session which included a heavy dose of situational work.
"I thought this (workout) was our best one yet," Holtz said. "I'm encouraged by the many positive things I saw out there. It was crisp and sharp, and we had a lot of guys flying around out there. If we keep working like we did tonight, there's no doubt that we'll keep getting better."
Running backs Norman Whitley and Chris Johnson highlighted the offensive side of the ball during some of the Pirates' situational drills with long runs while cornerback Dekota Marshall and linebacker Durwin Lamb each recorded interceptions on defense.
"I also remain pleased with the leadership our upperclassmen are providing," Holtz added. "Everyone is talking out there and players are coaching players. This team wants to be in a position of reaching many of the goals it has set this season."
The Pirates will work in shorts, shoulder pads and helmets during the scheduled two-hour morning session before returning to full gear in the evening practice. In addition to Wednesday's double action, ECU also plans to turn in a pair of workouts on Monday, August 13 and Monday, August 20.
NOTES: After completing their first two-a-day practices Wednesday, the Pirates will begin preparing for the preseason camp's first intra-squad scrimmage scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium ... The contest, closed to the public, will be followed by the first off day of the preseason Sunday ... Senior Josh Coffman (OT), senior Matt Butler (OG), sophomore Stephen Heis (C), sophomore Doug Palmer (OG) and redshirt freshman D.J. Scott (OT) all competed as members of the No. 1 offensive line during Tuesday's work ... Tickets are still available for the 13th Annual Meet The Pirates Night, ECU's preseason football fanfest scheduled for Saturday, August 18 ... Fans may order tickets online, by visiting the ECU Athletics Ticket Office or by calling 1-800-DIAL-ECU ... Wednesday's Practice Times: 8:35 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. & 8:05 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Season Opener: Sept. 1 vs. Virginia Tech (12 noon).
