Pirates Eye First Scrimmage With Full-Pad Workout
August 14, 2014 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. - After completing the second of three two-a-day practices, East Carolina moved one step closer to its first intra-squad scrimmage Thursday morning with a full-pad workout at the Cliff Moore Practice Complex.
Under sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-80's, fifth-year head coach Ruffin McNeill guided the Pirates through a three-hour practice focusing on all phases of the game.
"Coming off a two-a-day, I was really pleased the way we came out in full pads," McNeill said. "I talked with the older guys, our leadership core, about attacking the process and they did just that. We have a few camp nicks right now, but guys are stepping up and I have been really encouraged with what I have seen on the field so far in preseason.
Thursday opened with a focus period of 10 plays before the Pirates moved into individual groups. The offensive skill positions spent 50 minutes on their short passing game with quick game, screen drills and one-on-one matchups against defensive backs during their skeleton period.
Red zone and goal line fundamentals were stressed during the defensive pass rush skeleton phase, while blitz work and an extended team session against scouts followed daily individual segments leading to the final 24 minutes of team vs. scout.
The Pirates also used nearly 20 minutes of practice with the special teams group, primarily focusing on punt return and coverage schemes.
ECU will return to a single practice Friday morning before turning in their first of two scrimmages of camp early Saturday morning.
"We will get back on the field Friday morning for a practice in shells," McNeill added. "The workout will be a little different since we will have American Athletic Conference officials here monitoring practice and getting used to how we play. I want our guys to be comfortable on the field with the officials, especially since they have added an eighth person (Central Judge) to the crews."
Up Next:
Friday's Practice Time: 8:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Season Opener: Aug. 30 vs. North Carolina Central (8 p.m. EST)
