The always energetic Ross Brenneman (Omaha, Neb.) might have said it best during Tuesday's workout, which was the first in full pads for the North Dakota football team.
"Now this is football," the senior defensive end bellowed across the field as the offensive and defensive fronts were waged in one-on-one battles.
There wasn't the pad popping that will come when live actions commences in the coming days, but after four days of more or less touch football, the intensity at Memorial Stadium definitely went up a notch as the team donned full pads for the first time this fall.
"I thought it was another good practice," UND head coach Chris Mussman said afterwards. "It was not perfect by any stretch, but there was a lot of give and take for the first day in full pads. That was good to see.
"Our energy has been right where I want it this first week. Now, we just have to keep coming to work with that same intensity day in and day out. I like how we are progressing though."
The respective position units got their first taste of contact with intensified blocking drills as the wide receivers went up against the defensive backs, the linebackers faced the running backs and the o-line and d-line went head-to-head. These drills got the energy going and the players maintained that throughout the two-hour session.
Practice Notebook
"Now this is football," the senior defensive end bellowed across the field as the offensive and defensive fronts were waged in one-on-one battles.
There wasn't the pad popping that will come when live actions commences in the coming days, but after four days of more or less touch football, the intensity at Memorial Stadium definitely went up a notch as the team donned full pads for the first time this fall.
"I thought it was another good practice," UND head coach Chris Mussman said afterwards. "It was not perfect by any stretch, but there was a lot of give and take for the first day in full pads. That was good to see.
"Our energy has been right where I want it this first week. Now, we just have to keep coming to work with that same intensity day in and day out. I like how we are progressing though."
The respective position units got their first taste of contact with intensified blocking drills as the wide receivers went up against the defensive backs, the linebackers faced the running backs and the o-line and d-line went head-to-head. These drills got the energy going and the players maintained that throughout the two-hour session.
Practice Notebook
- The first team session consisted of third down work and senior quarterback Braden Hanson (Charlotte, N.C.) led the first-team unit to five first downs on 5-for-7 completions. The defense was instructed to let up allow the quarterbacks to throw during the drill, but the left-hander did a nice job of finding his targets quickly.
- For the second straight practice, sophomore Tyrhe Ivery (Garland, Texas) garnered some hooping and hollering from his teammates after making a tremendous diving catch.
- In the final team drills, the defense responded by intercepting two passes. Sophomore Garrett Reineke (Thompson, N.D.) intercepted a deep pass on a wheel route of the backfield and senior safety Erik Mersereau (Port Washington, Wis.) stepped in front of a post route for an interception.
- Junior wideout R.J. McGill (Phoenix, Ariz.) returned to the practice field for the first time this fall. He participated in every drill and team session.
- Wednesday will mark the first two-a-day practice for the team. The first session will commence at 9:15 a.m. and will be followed by an afternoon practice at 3:15 p.m.
