Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Football Continues Grind Toward Season Opener
8/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 17, 2005
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University's football team continued its second full week of preseason workouts on Wednesday, conducting its third of seven two-a-day practice sessions.
The Chippewas are alternating daily between a single and double practice schedule. On single-practice days, the CMU players are put through a morning strength and conditioning session before pulling on the pads in the afternoon.
The CMU players pulled on their maroon game jerseys for the first time on Tuesday, as a contingent of area media descended on Kelly/Shorts Stadium for media day. Second-year head coach Brian Kelly, senior quarterback Kent Smith, junior defensive end Daniel Bazuin and sophomore linebacker Thomas Keith opened the proceedings by taking questions from reporters in the Indoor Athletic Complex. Following the press conference, team and individual photos were taken in the stadium and players and coaches conducted a number of interviews with media outlets.
The Chippewas will experience a change of pace later this week. After practicing once tomorrow, the players will move out of the team's preseason residence hall between practices on Friday. Saturday's single practice will consist of an intrasquad scrimmage in the morning, while Sunday is an off day with meetings scheduled for the early evening.
CAMP NEWS AND NOTES
A COORDINATED EFFORT: Head coach Brian Kelly shifted responsibilities among some of his staff members during the offseason, most notably naming Robert Diaco and Mike Elston co-defensive coordinators.
"It's worked out really well," Kelly said of the new arrangement. "They have a great relationship and they know their roles. Their personalities allow them to work well together. Bob is the voice on the field, while Mike is more of the behind-the-scenes guy. They're good friends off the field, and I knew that preexisting relationship would be a positive in this arrangement."
CHIPPEWAS STILL STRONG: The CMU players are in the midst of the most physically grueling portion of the preseason, working out twice a day and meeting either in position groups or as a team two or three times a day. Despite the physical and mental toll of camp, the Chippewas are still putting as much effort into practices as they did earlier this month.
"We have not yet had a day where lack of effort has been an issue," Kelly said. "The ability of our guys to bounce back is indicative of the work that was put in this summer."
QUICK HITTERS: Kent Smith and sophomore receiver Jemmy Jasmin hooked up for the play of the day during the afternoon practice. During an 11-on-11 session, Smith fired a pass up the seam that split a pair of defenders. Jasmin, just 5-foot-8, went up and snagged the pass just before the defenders closed in and raced to the end zone ... CMU opens the 2005 season at home against Indiana in just 16 days ... Remember to check out www.cmuchippewas.com following Monday, Wednesday and Friday's afternoon practice for a camp report.
