MONTOGMERY—Alabama State University hit the practice field twice today for their first two-a-day practice of the preseason. The team’s first practice was at 9 a.m. followed by an evening session that started at 7 p.m.
The last few practice sessions have not gone exactly the way the ASU coaching staff had envisioned, but head coach Reggie Barlow has seen some things that the team has done well.
“I will say as a whole this team’s mindset has been positive,” Barlow said. “They have embraced the work, even after three or four days where we were not good, I think the mindset has been pleasant for the majority of the guys.”
“I am real pleased with the way Greg Jenkins is directing the offense. He has been real positive, real upbeat, and he has been doing a lot of positive things on the field and I am real happy about that.”
The Hornets defense under the direction of defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton, has been one of the top defense’s, not only in the SWAC, but in the nation as well the past few years, and there have been some things on that side of the ball that Barlow has taken note of.
“On the defensive side of the ball, there are guys like Winton Steward and Brandon Roberts that have stepped up and doing some good things to lead our defense. So there are a lot of things that are positive happening. There is still a long ways to go but there are some things we can build off of.”
The Hornets have a full week of practice under their belt, so tomorrow (Wednesday) they will take a day off from being on the practice field, but that does not mean they will have a day off.
“We are going to have what I call active rest,” Barlow added. “Basically although you’re off, they will still be coming over to the complex and doing some lifting but we will not be out here on the practice field running around. I just want them to take care of their bodies spend some time together as a team and that will make me proud to see them taking care of themselves, because we put them through a lot.”
The Hornets will be back on the field Thursday as they work their way towards their first scrimmage which will be held Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9 a.m.
