Troy University Athletics
Practice Report #9: August 14
8/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Trojans Work to Correct Mistakes after Scrimmage
TROY, Ala. - Practicing Monday for the first time since their first scrimmage of training camp, the Troy Trojans held their second two-a-day session, working towards the goal of improving on their miscues from Saturday.
"Obviously we had some problems with turnovers on Saturday, with fumbles and interceptions," head coach Larry Blakeney said. "We were definitely concentrating on correcting that tonight."
Blakeney also indicated that the Trojans will begin adjusting their practice schedule in order to get acclimated for the start of the school year. Practice sessions will move to 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week, with a final two-a-day session set for Wednesday.
Special Teams Shaping Up: Led by departed, All-Conference punter Thomas Olmsted, Troy's special teams have been a weapon for the Trojans in recent years. But, with Olmsted now in camp with the Miami Dolphins, the competition to replace him has been brisk.
Senior Jason Wright (Dothan, Ala.) and junior Adrian Vera (Conroe, Tx.) are battling fill the punting job, and both have started to hit their stride..
"We've got good competition at punter," Blakeney said. "Both punters are improving, and have kicked their way through their early problems."
The Trojans have place kicker Greg Whibbs, a junior from Pensacola, Fla., returning to fill that job, and he will also take over duties on the kickoff team. Whibbs, along with defensive back/wide receiver/return man Leodis McKelvin (Waycross, Ga.) were the only Trojans named to first-team Sun Belt Preseason All-Conference Team.
Whibbs looked strong on Saturday, connecting on all three of his field goal attempts including one from 51 yards. McKelvin will see his role expand as a starter in the secondary and will also see spot duty on offense.
Incoming junior defensive back Elbert Mack will also contribute as a return man.
Blakeney is depending on his special teams again this season, just like in recent years.
"Special teams has got to be a weapon for us," he said.
Practice Notes: Senior guard James Gardner (Dothan, Ala.) was carted off the practice field with an apparent ankle injury during Monday's evening practice … Another senior lineman, Kenny Griffin (Stockbridge, Ga.), along with freshman running back Xavier Walker (Bridgewater, NJ) and freshman linebacker Jonathan Reese (Americus, Ga.) were all held out of practice on Monday … Griffin is scheduled to have his knee scoped in Birmingham on Tuesday but is expected to be back at practice in 10 days ... Walker, who sprained a knee during Saturday's scrimmage, will be reevaluated by team physicians this weekend ... Special teams periods on Monday included the installation of several specialty plays.
Season Tickets Still on Sale: Season tickets for the 2006 season remain on sale, starting at just $50 for general admission sections. Individual game ticket at also available as low as $15. For additional information, contact the ticket office at 800-878-9467 (670-3681 locally) or visit TroyTrojans.com
Away Game Tickets Still Available: There are only two weeks left to buy tickets for Troy's visit to Doak Campbell Stadium for their match-up with Florida State. To order tickets for the Troy-FSU game, or any of the Trojans away contests, contact the ticket office at 800-878-9467 (670-3681 locally) or visit TroyTrojans.com
Upcoming Practice Schedule:
August 15: 2:45 p.m.
August 16: 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
August 17: 2:45 p.m.
August 18: 2: 45 p.m.
August 19: 2 p.m. Scrimmage
August 20: Off
August 21: 2:45 p.m.
