Houston, TX-The Texas Southern Tigers’ first football practice was pretty cool. The defending SWAC Champions avoid the soaring temperatures and started their summer practices at night which let them focus on the plays and not the heat.
“I wanted to make sure the weather was not a factor for our first day on the field,” said interim head coach Kevin Ramsey. “We have a lot to learn especially with our new system on offense.”
The defense was a step ahead of the offense tonight, but players of both sides of the ball played with intensity. “I like the energy I saw but we got to play faster,” Ramsey said. “I believe it will come as the players become more familiar with the playbook and get more reps. I like what I’m seeing so far.”
Offensive coordinator Charles Coe said practice was what he expected for the first night. He says there will be a steep learning curve in the beginning but it will level off as the guys understand what we are trying to do.
Ramsey’s Tigers were the best defense in the country in 2010. Flashes of their greatness were evident on the field but playing at that level doesn’t come overnight. “Those guys got to work hard every day to get back to that level. If they learn their plays, work together and take care of business then the rest will take care of itself.”
This is coach Ramsey’s third season with the Tigers and his first as head coach. “It was good going from group to group watching the guys. This is a different perspective for me but I can see where we are and where we need to be,” said Ramsey.
Ramsey says the players are eager to learn and he saw some good things especially from the new guys. He says it was a promising first practice.
TSU is six weeks away from their first test on the field when they will face Prairie View A&M on September 10th. You can believe Coach Ramsey and his staff will have the TSU Tigers ready for their first showdown.
Let’s get the kinks worked out Tigers and make me prouder!