North Carolina State University Athletics
Norris Notebook: Fall Camp Ends With A Bang
8/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
You could hear the thuds and pops out at practice as the team wrapped up its morning session and then had an evening "shells" practice on the last two-a-day of the year. With fall camp winding down and school getting under way on Wednesday, it was good to see the players with the same energy and the coaches with the same intensity now as they had on day one. The weather was very cool with light rain all day, and while the players' might argue this, I think overall the average temperature at camp was lower this year than most years.
My usual catch of the day easily went to Jarvis Williams, who made a spiderman-esque catch tonight. He somehow twisted around on a ball to his outside shoulder and made a one-hand, behind-the-back catch of some sort (really difficult to explain how he did it). Jimmie Sutton was draped all over him in coverage, but "J5" made the play.
Darrell Blackman and Lamart Barrett were all over the field making catches as the offense worked on routes and ran plays. Coach Trestman and coach
Pat Lowery continued to crowd the middle of the field and direct the offense, and the secondary, especially the leadership and experience of Garland Heath, AJ Davis and Miguel Scott was on display. This is a very vocal and active group that coaches Williams and Kravitz direct.
The running backs and offensive line continued to gel, and the offense worked on continuing to prepare for Appalachian State. The defense made some plays in the backfield, and as coach Amato said, it is anyone's game at the defensive end spot.
The kickers again worked with the defensive backs during the evening practice, with coach Williams again welcoming Bradley Pierson to his group of corners. You should really see John Deraney work on agility and foot work with the safeties as he makes me look coordinated.
The team has off tomorrow from practice as school gets underway, but they'll be back on the field Thursday and then again Friday for the scrimmage.
After practice I enjoyed a chili dog with the managers as a farewell to fall camp.
Assistant media relations director Pat Norris checks in with his fall preseason camp notebook.
