University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Football Practice Report No. 9
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Spiders football team got off to an early start Thursday morning at Robins Stadium, as the team practiced for nearly two hours. Later this afternoon, the Spiders will be back on the practice field, this time at the Grass Fields on River Road.
The early part of the morning practice was spent in individual drills, with the team separated and working with their respective position coaches. After nearly an hour, the team came together to run 11-on-11 drills.
The defense was again strong during the session, getting consistent pressure on the Richmond quarterbacks and stopping some plays in the backfield. Working in shoulder pads early, the defense was unable to attack at 100 percent, but still played well. Tallying pass break-ups during the 11-on-11's were LB Eric Wright and DL Evan Kelly.
The big play for the offense came when QB John Laub took the snap and rolled out to his right. Laub found WR Rashad Ponder down the right sideline, who made a nice adjustment to the ball to connect for a 25-yard gain. QB Michael Strauss also made a nice throw, finding TE Christian Conklin in the middle of the field for a 12-yard gain.
The running backs also showed well, with redshirt sophomore James McKinney standing out. Running behind a great block from the offensive line, McKinney ripped off a nice 10-yard scamper up the middle. A few snaps later, McKinney ran to the left, getting to the outside for 15 yards.
The Richmond Spiders will be back at it this afternoon at the Grass Fields on River Road for their second practice of the day, slated to start a 4 p.m. This fall, all practices during training camp are open to the public. With practices being held at both Robins Stadium and the Grass Practice Fields on River Road, fans attending practice are asked to remain in the bleachers. In Robins Stadium, fans are asked to sit in the stands on the west side of the stadium.