University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Football Practice Report No. 1
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Coming off a CAA Football conference championship last season, the 2013 season got underway with the opening of Training Camp at Robins Stadium on Monday afternoon.
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.
The first day of practice was productive and long for the Spiders, as the team was busy with conditioning and taking headshots beginning at 7 a.m. Along with practice and meetings, equipment was issued and freshmen attended an orientation.
The first practice of camp began at 2:15 p.m. at Robins Stadium, lasting two hours. Coach Rocco and his staff focused on installing basic parts of both the offense and defense, working on basic fundamentals and techniques.
For the final 45 minutes of practice, the Spiders worked offense vs. defense in both 7-on-7 and full 11-on-11 drills. Wrapping up a spirited first day, Richmond’s offense looked sharp early, with QB Michael Strauss connecting with WR Ben Edwards and WR Shane Savage on a pair of nice plays. TE Sam Roller also had a long, 20-yard catch over the middle.
The defense picked things up later in the drills, forcing three fumbles and breaking up a pair of passes. Working behind four returning starters on the defensive line, the first-team linebackers and defensive backs looked quick, swarming to the ball on short screen and bubble passes.
The Richmond Spiders football team will be back at practice on Tuesday at Robins Stadium from 2:15-4:45 p.m.
Post-Practice Quotes
“Practice went pretty well today: we were out here a long time. This is the longest practice we have of the year, so there are a lot of teaching and fundamentals that go in to it. We looked good in spots and at times, but we didn’t have the proper focus that you need to win a football game. We are in pretty good condition and we were able to teach the younger kids the base offense and defense.”
--Head Coach Danny Rocco
“I think practice went well; everyone is just going to have to get use to the heat. Everybody is working hard, the freshmen look good and as a defense we are just trying to get back to where we were last year.”
--Redshirt Senior DL B.J. Scott
"It was a good day. We had a couple mistakes but those were things that we could easily get corrected. Overall, it was really good for the first day and we can only get better."
--Redshirt Junior QB Michael Strauss