Red Wolves Football Practice Reports – Rain and Shine

Red Wolves Football Practice Report Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013

JONESBORO – Poor weather conditions forced the Arkansas State Red Wolves football team to adjust its Saturday schedule, but the Red Wolves were finally able to take Liberty Bank Stadium Field at 1:30 p.m. in shorts and helmets for their second fall-camp practice.

The team was scheduled to practice at 9:55 a.m., but switched their morning and afternoon schedules due to lightning in the area.  The Red Wolves completed a weight room session with the offense and defense, and both groups also went through a walk-through at the HPESS on the ASU campus before breaking for lunch.

The team was suited out in shorts and helmets for the second consecutive day, and the Red Wolves improved on their first practice while making significant progress according to head coach Bryan Harsin.

“Our first practice was really good too, but there were some corrections that needed to be made,” said Harsin.  “We made some of those corrections after watching film, and the guys came out here and were competitive — both sides were flying around.  We set some expectations for today after watching film, and the players responded well to some of the things we emphasized.”

The Red Wolves continued to review material also covered in the spring, and Harsin said today was about making sure more players were executing their responsibilities.  Harsin also noted that while there may be a concept that is somewaht different from the spring, new installation won’t occur much until after the team’s first scrimmage on Thursday.

“Today was good and our mentality was where it needed to be,” said Harsin.  “With a practice already under their belt and having seen the expectations on both sides of the ball, I thought our players improved and executed better as a group instead of as individuals.”

Red Wolves Football Practice Report Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013

The Arkansas State Red Wolves football team suited up in shoulder pads Sunday afternoon for the first time this fall, continuing the early stages of its preseason camp with its third practice in as many days.

The Red Wolves had another full day, carrying out a schedule that was somewhat similar to what they will see on a full-scale “two-a-day” practice lineup.  The team held an early-morning workout inside Liberty Bank Stadium, which was high tempo and focused on individual training within groups, and then returned to the stadium for a 3:05 p.m. practice.

“Today’s format was pretty grinding, but we had a good workout in the morning and a good practice in the afternoon,” said A-State head coach Bryan Harsin.  “There wasn’t anything especially negative or fantastic about practice.  The energy was pretty good, but we didn’t have the consistency we needed today.  We would have a group do well and then just kind of drop off — we have to improve on that.”

With three practices completed, Harsin said the team has done a nice job building a solid foundation for its fall camp.  Although the team isn’t off track, the Red Wolves new head coach is also quick to point out they still have a long ways to go in terms of preparation.

“We’ve still got a lot of things we need to continue to work on,” said Harsin.  “I think the veterans and newcomers have done a good job, but the young guys have hit a wall that normally happens around this time with all the installation they have to learn.”

While today’s practice wasn’t full contact nor full pads, it was more physical with the players putting on shoulder pads for the first time.

“Those thud hits applied certainly makes it an adjustment, especially for the offensive guys,” said Harsin.  “As you get into pads, the key is to play near full speed without going down and that’s a fine line with something you can’t simulate.  The players weren’t going to the ground, but they were still taking a shot for the first time since the spring game.  I thought our players responded well to that added element.”

The Red Wolves will continue their fall camp Monday with their fourth practice.

Season and individual game tickets for the Red Wolves’ 2013 football campaign, which includes six home games, are currently on sale and can be ordered by contacting the A-State Box Office at 870-972-ASU1 or 1-888-ASU-FANS (278-3267) or by visiting AStateRedWolves.com.

Courtesy Arkansas State University Department of Athletics