The Citadel football wrapped up their first week of fall camp on Friday morning at Summerall Field after completing their first two-a-day practice on Thursday. The Bulldogs, who put in approximately three hours of workout in the morning and two more in the afternoon, both in full pads, went back to their three-hour morning workout on Friday.
“Yesterday we had an expensive short yardage and goal line scrimmage,” said Bulldog Head Coach Kevin Higgins. “On offense, we spent a great deal of time on our play action package. Defensively, we continued to work on our two goal line fronts and our pressure short yardage package.”
The team kicked off fall camp last week Friday (8/4) with an 8 a.m. practice, followed by media day on Saturday morning and practice at 2 p.m. So, far the weather has held up for the Bulldogs who have practiced mostly in the early mornings. Friday's practice wrapped the first full week of workout for the team who will see their first scrimmage next week Saturday.
“I'm excited about the football team that has come back. They came back in good health, quicker and faster,” Higgins said.
However, he finds himself frustrated with the slow progression of the offense.
“Offensively, we're not where we need to be from an execution standpoint,” Higgins said, adding that the team needs more playmakers on offense. “Defense is a lot further along than we expected at this point. Our players are giving great effort and executing well.”
The Bulldogs have experienced only one injury so far in fall camp, which occurred on Sunday when senior defensive end James Wilson suffered a right mid foot injury. The preseason second team all-conference pick is still listed day-to-day and his foot remains in a boot. However, The Citadel sports medicine staff said Wilson's status has significantly improved. He will see increased activity on Saturday and Sunday which will determine whether he will return to practice on Monday.
“It's very difficult not being able to practice,” Wilson said. “The main thing is that they're putting in a whole lot of stuff and I'm not in there getting a lot of reps. I have to stay at my playbook constantly. The freshmen are asking a lot of questions and I'm answering them and asking questions too, so that's been a big help, but it's nothing like getting out there and getting reps.”
While Higgins is confident that Wilson will make a quick return, he said it is always a disadvantage when a player misses reps in practice. Though, it is Wilson's leadership on the field that is missed the most.
The Bulldogs will continue practice throughout the weekend, with a two-a-day on Saturday starting at 8 a.m. and again at 3:15 p.m. On Sunday, the team will attend church at 8:45 a.m., followed by a team meal and practice at 11:30 a.m. The Citadel's first scrimmage will take place on Saturday, Aug. 19th at 1:30 p.m. at Johnson Hagood Stadium. The scrimmage will be open to the public, with access to the east stands only.
The Citadel opens the season on Saturday, Sept. 2 in College Station, Texas against Texas A&M at 6 p.m. CT. For more information on tickets or The Citadel Athletics, go to www.CitadelSports.com.
