Noles Wrap Up Day Five Of Practice

On Saturday morning the Seminole football team really started to get down to work as they put on full pads for 24 periods and had the most physical practice to date. The return to pads also brought a return to 3-on-3 drills and goalline. There were also a ton of big hits in 11-on-11 and goalline. The team will not practice Sunday as they participate in media day and the Seminole Superstars Strength and Skills competition as a part of fan day.

PRACTICE NOTES:

Kevin McNeil (shoulder) and Antone Smith (hamstring) both dressed on Saturday but both were limited to non-contact drills as they nurse minor injuries.

Marcus Ball had some soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. Preston Parker came out to practice wearing a cast on his left hand but participated in all 24 periods.

Junior tight end Jonathan Hannah caught passes for the first time today but was unable to practice in full pads yet.

After pass drills the practice moved into 11-on-11. Parker had a nice run and freshman Bert Reed showed his toughness taking three big hits on a short gainer but never going down. Williams got the defense cheering with the biggest play of the drill. He knifed into the backfield, hit the receiver just as he caught the swing pass and then picked up the ball he jarred loose for the turnover.

For the first time the team worked in goalline to close out the practice. Letroy Guion got things started on the right foot for the D. The junior got to the running back right as he was taking the handoff and broke up the play. He knocked the ball loose and recovered the fumble three yards behind the line. Roger William and Derek Nicholson combined for a tackle behind the line, Darius McClure recorded a big hit at the line and Jeremy Franklin made a last ditch tackle at the goalline to save a TD. Russell Ball was the only offensive player to get into the endzone as he went around the right end. Xavier Lee also scored over the top on a busted play but with the defense unable to touch him due to the green jersey, they lobbied for that score not to count.

Bobby Bowden Quotes:

"It was hot as fire. I thought we stood that part okay. Got a lot of work to do. We'll start two-a-days I guess Monday. Kids will be off, well they'll be in meetings this afternoon, but won't practice this afternoon."

On Letroy Guion:

"Guion, think he is probably, in my opinion, second best tackle out there, behind Fluellen, the way it looks to me. That's true, he's been handicapped with injuries of and on ever since he's been here.

On the first week of practice:
"I guess we got out of it everything we supposed to get out of it. You know you're never satisfied. Always like to see it better. But with the heat like it is, it could have been worse. And so I guess ought to be happy with that part."