University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Football Practice Report No. 2
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Spiders football team was back at practice on Tuesday afternoon on a warm, humid day at Robins Stadium. The team practiced for two hours after spending most of the morning in team meetings.
This season, 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.
Standing out offensively for the Spiders on Tuesday was sophomore WR Rashad Ponder. The 6-1 sophomore made three terrific catches, garnering praise not only from his offensive teammates but the coaching staff as well. Ponder's best grab on the afternoon came on a John Laub rollout, making a diving catch for a 12-yard gain.
The biggest play of the day also came on a quarterback rollout. Moving to his right, the captain Laub faked the QB keeper, finding an open Ben Edwards on the right sideline. The well-executed fake went for a 35-yard gain.
Defensively, the first-team was led by 2011 All-American LB Darius McMillan. The vocal leader of the defense, McMillan was flying all around the field for the Spider defense on Tuesday.
The Richmond Spiders will return to Robins Stadium on Wednesday for their first morning practice of camp. It will be a big day for the Spiders, as the team will wear pads for the first time. Practice is scheduled for 9:45-11:45 p.m.
Post Practice Quotes
"Practice went really well. The kids came out with a lot of
energy, did a lot of good things, and had good focus. You can tell these kids
really worked hard over the summer and made a lot of improvements. We had a
really promising day."
--Associate Head Coach Wayne Lineburg
"Personally, I think I'm getting better every day. We had a
productive summer. I think we're all getting back into the mindset of thinking
football first and getting our schemes and everything down pat. I think we did
well today."
--Senior LB Darius McMillan
"Today was just a good day, and I feel I got better. But the
thing is, I have to keep it up and move forward throughout the entire camp and
into the season. Coach talks to us about momentum, and we have to keep that
momentum going-not just me, but the whole offense and team together. We've got
to get better."
-- Sophomore WR Rashad Ponder