The buzz surrounding Wednesday's first fall football practice included the return of seniors Zac Etheridge, Mike McNeil and Aairon Savage after long-term injuries.
Coach Gene Chizik said his expectations remain the same for his team, even with the returning defensive players.
"We're just trying to put a better product on the field than the year before," Chizik said. "Obviously they're big pieces of the puzzle when it comes to experience and leadership, but we're taking one day at a time."
Leadership is what's on the senior player's minds as well.
"We're trying to build a foundation around here--not only for us, but for years to come," Savage said.
Etheridge said he felt positive about getting back on the field with his team, and he didn't have any physical problems.
"You can tell the defense has come a long way from this time last year, and it just feels good that I can be a part of it," Etheridge said. "They kept telling me nobody's ever come back from a neck injury within a year, so I put in extra work to be the first."
Chizik said the work Etheridge put in to get back in the game was unmeasurable.
"He eats, sleeps and drinks football, and that's what he always does," Chizik said. "That's why he is where he is. He worked really hard because he wanted to be back and play."
Savage has decided to take some of the younger players bowling to get them away from the pressure and stress of a new season.
Freshman Michael Dyer said he has matured during the summer, and it has helped him understand the level of play expected in college.
Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. practice was a nice break from the usual afternoon heat. Being under the lights was a good rehearsal for the first three games, which are already scheduled for the evening.
Wide receiver coach Trooper Taylor brought his infamous level of enthusiasm to the practice field, screaming, "It's a great day to be alive!"
Chizik said the energy level at practice was high, and he hopes that level continues when practicing in the heat of the day. Chizik also said he was impressed with the incoming freshman and how hard they worked.
"You know, their heads are spinning, and they're trying to figure out what's going on with so many moving parts," Chizik said. "I think it's going to be a very talented class, and they're going to be able to help us, which is good because we need them to."
Check back on theplainsman.com for more practice updates.
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