Central Michigan University Athletics
Football Spring Practice Report
3/22/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT Central Michigan University’s football program conducted its second of 15 spring practices Thursday morning in the Indoor Athletic Complex.
The Chippewas worked out for two hours in helmets and shorts in the indoor facility.
One of the emerging characteristics of head coach Butch Jones’ practice sessions is an up-tempo, high-intensity atmosphere that has players and coaches constantly on the move and performing as many reps of each drill as possible in the two-hour session. According to Jones, much of the credit for the ability to run the fast paced workouts goes to strength and conditioning coach Dave Lawson.
“His role is extremely critical,” Jones said. “What Dave has done is build a solid foundation that we can build from. The foundation that he set is as much mental as it is physical. It’s still hard to simulate being in football shape, but we had a great base going into the spring and we are going to continue to improve as we conduct more of our practices.”
Much of the time spent this spring will be devoted to installing the Chippewas’ offensive and defensive schemes. Jones understands that process can become tedious for his players, and he will give them an opportunity to take a slight break from that this weekend.
“We’ve thrown a lot at them these first two days,” Jones said. “Saturday we’re going to go with more of a situational type scrimmage, so we won’t install anything that day. We want the kids to be able to just go out and play and not worry about anything new that day.”
CMU returns to the practice field Friday morning, when it will work out in full pads for the first time. The Chippewas will practice outdoors both Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.
Coaches Clinic Next Week
The CMU coaching staff will host a Frank Glazier Football Coaching Clinic on campus next Friday and Saturday, March 30-31. The event is an opportunity for high school coaches to attend CMU practices and discuss schemes with the CMU staff through a series of lectures and presentations.
CMU has received nearly 2,000 inquiries regarding its clinic, with between 200-400 coaches expected to attend.
“We’re expecting a great deal of high school coaches to be here, and we’re excited to have them here to watch practice and learn some of our schemes,” Jones said.
Players of the Day
The CMU coaching staff selected Ontario Sneed (offense), Calvin Hissong (defense) and Jemmy Jasmin as its players of the day. The players are the day are chosen by a vote of the coaches based on each individual’s energy level, leadership and performance during that day’s practice.
Still Sharp
CMU quarterbacks combined to set a new CMU single-season completion percentage record last season. As a team, the Chippewas completed 62.6 percent of their passes (280-of-447), breaking the old mark of 61.9 percent set in 1951.
Dan LeFevour completed 63.7 percent of his passing attempts (247-of-388) on his way to school records for completions, yards (3,031) and touchdowns (26). In a 7-on-7 drill late in Thursday’s practice, LeFevour completed all eight of his pass attempts, including a pair of slant routes to Justin Gardner for big gains. Darren Martin also hauled in a pass in traffic to keep LeFevour’s streak alive.
Spring Game April 21
CMU’s annual spring football game will be Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Players will be available for autographs before the game, and four major giveaways will take place during the contest. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to win a round-trip flight on Allegiant Air to Las Vegas courtesy of Lansing Capital City Airport, a round-trip flight on Allegiant Air to St. Petersburg, Fla. courtesy of Lansing Capital City Airport or $100 in free gas. The CMU Bookstore will also be giving away 5,000 t-shirts at the game.
The Chippewas worked out for two hours in helmets and shorts in the indoor facility.
One of the emerging characteristics of head coach Butch Jones’ practice sessions is an up-tempo, high-intensity atmosphere that has players and coaches constantly on the move and performing as many reps of each drill as possible in the two-hour session. According to Jones, much of the credit for the ability to run the fast paced workouts goes to strength and conditioning coach Dave Lawson.
“His role is extremely critical,” Jones said. “What Dave has done is build a solid foundation that we can build from. The foundation that he set is as much mental as it is physical. It’s still hard to simulate being in football shape, but we had a great base going into the spring and we are going to continue to improve as we conduct more of our practices.”
Much of the time spent this spring will be devoted to installing the Chippewas’ offensive and defensive schemes. Jones understands that process can become tedious for his players, and he will give them an opportunity to take a slight break from that this weekend.
“We’ve thrown a lot at them these first two days,” Jones said. “Saturday we’re going to go with more of a situational type scrimmage, so we won’t install anything that day. We want the kids to be able to just go out and play and not worry about anything new that day.”
CMU returns to the practice field Friday morning, when it will work out in full pads for the first time. The Chippewas will practice outdoors both Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.
Coaches Clinic Next Week
The CMU coaching staff will host a Frank Glazier Football Coaching Clinic on campus next Friday and Saturday, March 30-31. The event is an opportunity for high school coaches to attend CMU practices and discuss schemes with the CMU staff through a series of lectures and presentations.
CMU has received nearly 2,000 inquiries regarding its clinic, with between 200-400 coaches expected to attend.
“We’re expecting a great deal of high school coaches to be here, and we’re excited to have them here to watch practice and learn some of our schemes,” Jones said.
Players of the Day
The CMU coaching staff selected Ontario Sneed (offense), Calvin Hissong (defense) and Jemmy Jasmin as its players of the day. The players are the day are chosen by a vote of the coaches based on each individual’s energy level, leadership and performance during that day’s practice.
Still Sharp
CMU quarterbacks combined to set a new CMU single-season completion percentage record last season. As a team, the Chippewas completed 62.6 percent of their passes (280-of-447), breaking the old mark of 61.9 percent set in 1951.
Dan LeFevour completed 63.7 percent of his passing attempts (247-of-388) on his way to school records for completions, yards (3,031) and touchdowns (26). In a 7-on-7 drill late in Thursday’s practice, LeFevour completed all eight of his pass attempts, including a pair of slant routes to Justin Gardner for big gains. Darren Martin also hauled in a pass in traffic to keep LeFevour’s streak alive.
Spring Game April 21
CMU’s annual spring football game will be Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Players will be available for autographs before the game, and four major giveaways will take place during the contest. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to win a round-trip flight on Allegiant Air to Las Vegas courtesy of Lansing Capital City Airport, a round-trip flight on Allegiant Air to St. Petersburg, Fla. courtesy of Lansing Capital City Airport or $100 in free gas. The CMU Bookstore will also be giving away 5,000 t-shirts at the game.
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