Name the member of the Texas State Bobcats that brought the most intensity to Wednesday night’s practice. Here’s a hint: It wasn’t a player.
Head coach Dennis Franchione brought the fire throughout Texas State’s third organized practice. Not even Franchione’s coaching staff was free of his wrath.
Near the beginning of Wednesday’s practice, Franchione halted proceedings. Franchione gathered all of his players and made sure they understood what he wanted.
“I talked to them at walkthrough about wanting more energy and enthusiasm early, and I don’t they supplied it as well as I wanted them to,” Franchione said. “Usually they are pretty workmanlike in their individual stuff and then when we get into team stuff, they start going. I understand that, but you practice at full speed to play at full speed. You can’t do some things half speed and then think you’re going to play full speed and play well on game day.”
Following the team’s first one-on-one block/block shedding drill (Bobcat Drill) of the fall, Franchione pulled one of his assistants, Mike Hudson, to the side. What Franchione said wasn’t audible, but it was clear the head coach wasn’t happy.
And now for some other tidbits from practice…
- Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jafus Gaines worked with the first-string offense. Gaines performed well in the spring and had a tremendous summer during 7-on-7 drills, so it’s a deserved spot for the young receiver.
- Senior tight end Chase Harper looked great at his normal position and at defensive end. Harper hauled in every pass thrown his way and tossed around two offensive linemen on consecutive team drills later in practice.
- Senior quarterback Shaun Rutherford is throwing the ball well. Rutherford worked on his passing this summer during 7-on-7 drills and it shows. His passes travel in a tighter spiral and he’s making throws he’d struggle with last year. Won’t be able to tell if Rutherford improved his ball handling until he’s pressured.
- Play clocks will no longer be at field level. One will go above Franchione’s office on the End Zone Complex, while the other will be on the new archway of the North Side Complex.
Have any questions? Feel free to leave them in the comment section or contact me via Twitter (@smdrtyler).
