Central Michigan University Athletics
Football Opens Final Week of Spring Practice
4/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT – The Central Michigan University football team opened its final week of spring practices with a slightly different look Tuesday.
For the first time in several years, the defense took the field in maroon practice jerseys. The unit earned that privilege with its win over the offense in Saturday’s scrimmage, and turned in another outstanding effort during Tuesday’s two-hour workout at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
“Defensively we continue to play with great energy,” said head coach Butch Jones. “We did nine competition drills today and the defense won eight of them. We do have some leadership emerging on defense and guys are holding their teammates accountable. A perfect example is a guy like Ike Brown who isn’t practicing full speed, but has provided great leadership throughout the spring.
“Right now I’m disappointed with our offense,” Jones added. “We have some guys recovering from injuries so we’re playing a lot of young guys, but we need to find leaders both on our team and at each position. The big thing is leadership right now.”
While the offense has had its moments, including scoring on six consecutive overtime possessions during Saturday’s scrimmage, Jones believes the group is still a work in progress and will continue to develop even after the conclusion of spring drills.
“I think it’s safe to say the defense is a little ahead of the offense right now,” Jones said. “We threw a lot at the offense in terms of installation today, and I understand the effect that can have. But, I just would like to see more leadership. That’s why the summer is so important. Your leaders really emerge during the summer when the guys have to work out on their own and coaches aren’t around to set the tone.”
Spring practice has the potential to become a grind for the players, who are faced with 15 practice dates without a real game for which to prepare. In the fall, the team works out for nearly a month, but has the season opener to which it can look ahead. With the Chippewas in the final week of a five-week spring practice schedule, Jones knows he and his staff must guard against complacency.
“You have to fight human nature a little bit,” Jones said. “I think it’s natural for these guys to look ahead to the spring game and playing in front of a crowd Saturday night, but it’s the job of our coaches and our leaders in the program to not let that happen.”
Player of the Day
The coaching staff selected defensive lineman Steven Friend as its player of the day for Tuesday.
Huge Wednesday in Mount Pleasant
Bill Simonson will broadcast The Huge Show live from the CMU football offices at the Indoor Athletic Complex on Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. Head coach Butch Jones and sophomore quarterback Dan LeFevour are expected to join the show live during its first hour, with former Chippewas and future NFL draft picks Joe Staley and Dan Bazuin also expected to join the program. The Huge Show can be heard state-wide, with a list of affiliates available on thehugeshow.net.
Spring Game Saturday Night
CMU’s Maroon-Gold spring football game begins at 6 p.m. Saturday night at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Indoor Athletic Complex turf bay will be the host site for pregame festivities, including an autograph session with the players beginning at 3 p.m. Other pregame activities include games and inflatables for the kids, a hot dog and beverage giveaway sponsored by the CMU Alumni Association and a tailgate tent for former CMU football players hosted by the Football Alumni Club.
A number of giveaways will take place during the spring game, including trips to Las Vegas and St. Petersburg, Fla. courtesy of Lansing Capital City Airport and $100 in free gas. The first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive t-shirts courtesy of the CMU Bookstore.
For the first time in several years, the defense took the field in maroon practice jerseys. The unit earned that privilege with its win over the offense in Saturday’s scrimmage, and turned in another outstanding effort during Tuesday’s two-hour workout at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
“Defensively we continue to play with great energy,” said head coach Butch Jones. “We did nine competition drills today and the defense won eight of them. We do have some leadership emerging on defense and guys are holding their teammates accountable. A perfect example is a guy like Ike Brown who isn’t practicing full speed, but has provided great leadership throughout the spring.
“Right now I’m disappointed with our offense,” Jones added. “We have some guys recovering from injuries so we’re playing a lot of young guys, but we need to find leaders both on our team and at each position. The big thing is leadership right now.”
While the offense has had its moments, including scoring on six consecutive overtime possessions during Saturday’s scrimmage, Jones believes the group is still a work in progress and will continue to develop even after the conclusion of spring drills.
“I think it’s safe to say the defense is a little ahead of the offense right now,” Jones said. “We threw a lot at the offense in terms of installation today, and I understand the effect that can have. But, I just would like to see more leadership. That’s why the summer is so important. Your leaders really emerge during the summer when the guys have to work out on their own and coaches aren’t around to set the tone.”
Spring practice has the potential to become a grind for the players, who are faced with 15 practice dates without a real game for which to prepare. In the fall, the team works out for nearly a month, but has the season opener to which it can look ahead. With the Chippewas in the final week of a five-week spring practice schedule, Jones knows he and his staff must guard against complacency.
“You have to fight human nature a little bit,” Jones said. “I think it’s natural for these guys to look ahead to the spring game and playing in front of a crowd Saturday night, but it’s the job of our coaches and our leaders in the program to not let that happen.”
Player of the Day
The coaching staff selected defensive lineman Steven Friend as its player of the day for Tuesday.
Huge Wednesday in Mount Pleasant
Bill Simonson will broadcast The Huge Show live from the CMU football offices at the Indoor Athletic Complex on Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. Head coach Butch Jones and sophomore quarterback Dan LeFevour are expected to join the show live during its first hour, with former Chippewas and future NFL draft picks Joe Staley and Dan Bazuin also expected to join the program. The Huge Show can be heard state-wide, with a list of affiliates available on thehugeshow.net.
Spring Game Saturday Night
CMU’s Maroon-Gold spring football game begins at 6 p.m. Saturday night at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The Indoor Athletic Complex turf bay will be the host site for pregame festivities, including an autograph session with the players beginning at 3 p.m. Other pregame activities include games and inflatables for the kids, a hot dog and beverage giveaway sponsored by the CMU Alumni Association and a tailgate tent for former CMU football players hosted by the Football Alumni Club.
A number of giveaways will take place during the spring game, including trips to Las Vegas and St. Petersburg, Fla. courtesy of Lansing Capital City Airport and $100 in free gas. The first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive t-shirts courtesy of the CMU Bookstore.
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