Zack Jaynes ready to make a play in 2010 season. Photo by Jarett Frazier.
The official beginning of spring induces thoughts of fall as the football Catamounts finish their first week of spring practice. Just like the mountainous surroundings the young team is ready to grow this spring.
The goals set out for the team to work on during practice revolve around being competitive and consistent to bring a successful season in the fall. Success for Coach Wagner was not traditionally defined.
“We need to improve. So to be successful for us means [increasing number of games won] not necessarily going undefeated.”
Offensively Wagner said the main goal was tempo and some different formations introduced.
“Not new,” he said. “Just different than what we have been doing.”
The defense is spot lighting on stops and keeping the opponent from making plays.
The key to successful goals may be through some players that Wagner thinks are crucial for the fall, among those, running backs Mike Johnson and Nate Harris and wide receiver Deja Alexander on the offensive side. Despite the young secondary, defensively Trey Shelby and linebacker Ricky Schwartz could be important in stops.
In addition to playmakers the coaching staff is waiting to see who will step into leadership for the team in the fall.
“We don’t have that many seniors, but naturally they will step into that role,” said Coach Wagner. “We are just waiting to see who else will step up.”
To catch the Cats in action before the fall, the last spring practice will be open to the public April 16 from 1:30-3:30.
