North Carolina State University Athletics
Norris Notebook: Humid Practice Wraps up Week
8/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
The players were tough on boards and extremely competitive despite the humid conditions out at practice. The sun stayed away, but the players kept the heat on as the defense and offense traded blows play-after-play on the field in a fast tempo practice Friday morning. The defense pursued hard during 11 on 11 and kept up with the offense, but the offense dominated on goal line to close the day.
Before they got into position drills and 11 on 11 work, the offense and defense changed things up during the board drills, this time having a mini-competition. Instead of having each position going at the same time, only one board drill went on while the whole team crowded around to watch.
Things got going with Ray Brooks and Julian Williams having a good battle, as the defense got off to an early lead. Curtis Crouch and Tank Tyler had a classic war on the board, with coach Amato (the official score keeper for the competition) siding with Crouch because he said Tank moved off of the board.
Jarvis Williams plowed his way through J.C. Neal, and Leroy Harris jumped on Jarvis to celebrate. Leroy one that battle as Jarvis didn’t see him coming and about got knocked to the ground (more on Leroy jumping later).
Unofficially, the offense won more board drills today than the defense, but I’m sure this won’t always be the case.
My catch of the day award goes to Darrell Davis. He made a tremendous leaping catch over Jeremy Gray down the sideline and held on to the ball as they both tumbled to the ground. Koyal George also made a nice catch, and Darrell Blackman and Marcus Stone continued to find each other when on the field together.
After the offense would score on goal line (whether Leroy was on the field at the time or not), he always sprints out and leaps on the ball carrier to celebrate. He also jumped on Curtis Crouch today after he made a key block, but poor Curtis wasn’t ready for him and he went tumbling to the ground as Leroy ran back to the huddle in joy.
I wanted to mention that Harley (Renaldo Moses sister, and yes, you can tell they are related) is a student trainer on the team and I also need to thank the manager, Alan, for supplying me with Gatorade so I don’t get dehydrated while out at practice.
The team scrimmages tomorrow evening, so I think Tony Haynes will handle the reporting tomorrow.
Assistant media relations director Pat Norris will check in with his preseason football practice notebook during fall camp.
