Oklahoma State University Athletics
Football Practice Report - August 9
August 09, 2011 | Cowboy Football
Aug. 9, 2011
OSU Football Practice 5 Photo GallerySTILLWATER, Okla. - The Oklahoma State football team practiced in full pads for the first time on Tuesday, with the Cowboys on the Boone Pickens Stadium turf for nearly three hours in warm conditions.
After practice, reigning Big 12 Coach of the Year Mike Gundy visited with the media. The highlights:
Opening Statement:
"We've had two good practices in a row. A couple days ago, I was disappointed with our attitude and lack of being physical in practice, but it was better yesterday and even better today. There was enthusiasm throughout the practice, so we accomplished a lot this morning."
On the speed of the offense so far:
"I feel comfortable with our tempo. It was better yesterday and even better today. Obviously, we time every rep in team period so we know where we're at. I feel like we're moving at a good pace. The first five or six practices, it will be a little slower because you have guys in there that are working into the skill positions that haven't ever played, and so there's some thought process that's taking place. I'm not concerned; I think we'll move very fast."
On who is stepping up as a leader on defense:
"Well Johnny Thomas, Markelle Martin and Brodrick Brown continue to do a good job. Jamie Blatnick is a quiet leader. Richetti Jones is working at being a leader. Tyler Johnson I see making some strides in those areas. There's a few guys that are stepping up, but they have big shoes to fill. Orie Lemon was a great leader for us last year."
On the progression of the linebackers:
"They seem to be doing fine, and I haven't studied them much. I'll probably wait until the eighth or tenth practice to study those guys. I'll give them an opportunity to try to get into the flow of it so they can play full speed. I'm happy with them being physical during practice; from that standpoint I think they're doing fine."
On if there is more depth on defense than there has been in the past:
"I think so. Athletically, we're further along now than we have been in the last six years. There's some inexperience there. I kind of use the term `no-name players,' but they move around really well. James Thomas has been in a lot of plays, and obviously Jamie Blatnick and Devin Hedgepeth is a young player that has a lot of good reps ahead of him. I feel good about where we are at. We have to continue to work hard and stay healthy."
On the how he feels about the defense out-performing the offense in practice:
"I want the defense to win every day. I'm convinced that we have to continue to recruit more speed, more athleticism on defense, and find ways to get big defensive tackles in here as we develop this program. I hope the defense dominates every day. I'm obviously comfortable with the experience we have on offense; we'll move the ball. I spend most of my time in practice with the defense anyway, and I enjoy that part of it."
On freshman running back Herschel Sims:
"He had several carries and we're to the point now where you can find out if a freshman can handle the load. I notice they're giving Josh Stewart quite a few reps down there on offense. Defensively, there's some guys that are getting in and getting work, and that's where you can find out if they can handle the load early in their career."
