North Carolina State University Athletics
The Norris Notebook: Wet and Wild Goaline at Practice
8/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
It was a wet day out at practice, with a light rain at the start then overcast skies the whole day. The positive advantage is that it wasn’t hot, the negative is that it was soggy. With the team in full pads and lots of “live” hitting, the team took part in the first goaline drills of the season this morning. The defense won today on goaline drills, but the offense had a good one-minute drill, thanks to the play of Toney Baker.
When I arrived the guys went into board drills and I decided to check the big boys out today as the defensive line and offensive line went head-to-head. Former Pack linebacker Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay has been hanging around working out all summer as he finishes up his degree, and I asked him how he did in his day on the board drills. He estimated he won 90-95% of his board drills, and I’m sure he wasn’t over exaggerating TOO much.
Anthony Hill made two nice back-to-back catches in 7-on-7 as he showcased some good athletic skills. Javon Walker had a near pick from his safety spot during the drills as well when he broke up a Daniel Evans pass.
During inside drill from the five yardline, linebacker Ced Hickman took down Andre Brown after a tough run up the middle. Andre broke a few tackles and got through the line, but Hickman met him at the goalline and made the solo tackle.
Willie Young got into the backfield on the next play and deflected a Justin Burke pass as the rush was effective in the early part of the drills.
Lamart Barrett continued to make some nice plays, including coming back to the ball on a bullet from Stone for a first down, and then making a big catch in the endzone for a touchdown. He nearly ran over one of the video staff, Robin, but she skipped her way to safety. Barrett then gave John Dunlap a hard time after practice for not joining LB in celebration, like LB said he did when Dunlap scored.
During the one-minute drill, Baker took a pass out of the backfield and rumbled up field for a 40-yard gain down to the 10 before scoring on the next play on an inside handoff.
Once goaline started, the defense started to tighten up. Toney made a nice hard run but was stopped short, for the first of five defensive stops. LeRue Rumph made a big hit on Andre Brown at the goaline for one stop in particular that was impressive.
The highlight had to have been after Baker scored easily near the end of practice. Leroy Harris came over to celebrate, and he jumped in the air and landed on Toney’s shoulders. He accidentally swung his arm and knocked defensive coordinator Steve Dunlap’s hat off of his head. All of the players in the area got a good laugh about it, but I don’t think coach Dunlap found it too amusing!
The team scrimmages tomorrow for the first time, so I’ll have more then.
Assistant media relations director Pat Norris will check in with his preseason football practice notebook during fall camp.
Coach Doeren Signing Day Presser (Dec. 3rd)
Wednesday, December 03
FB Players Postgame Presser vs UNC
Sunday, November 30
Coach Doeren Postgame Presser vs UNC
Sunday, November 30
Coach Doeren Weekly Press Conference (Nov. 24)
Monday, November 24