Preseason Camp Update: Day 2

Blazer work on fundamentals, aim for first full team session

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State football coaching staff got its second good look at its 2009 squad as the Blazers endured their second day of split squad practices on Friday.

After a pair of split squad sessions Thursday afternoon, the Blazer A group took to the field Friday morning while the B group followed in the afternoon. The two squads continued to work on fundamentals as they prepared for their first full team practice Sunday.

"Right now we are working on the basics, on learning our assignments and getting our steps down pat," said head coach David Dean after the morning practice. "We are putting in a lot of the fundamentals right now, the things we will build on once we start teaching the guys our system. We can throw a lot at them on these days because it is stuff they have been learning their whole lives, but soon we will have to slow down so they learn how to play VSU football."

While the first two practices have been heavily based in instruction, Dean indicated that he has been pleased with the progress he has seen thus far.

"I think we have shown really good effort thus far," he continued. "Our young guys are picking things up really quickly, which allows us to do a more reps and less teaching. The biggest thing for the new guys is learning how fast our practices run. They have to learn the speed at which we demand they practice. As they pick that up, our practices run more smoothly and we get more done."

The first two days of practice have also allowed Dean to gain a new perspective on the practices, as for the first time in his career, he is not coaching a position. After handling the Blazer wide receivers his first season as head coach and the running backs in 2008, Dean has relinquished all position coaching to his assistants this season and has already seen the benefits of the move.

"In the past, I have been able to be around our defense a little, but have always been busy working with a position," he concluded. "By handing the position duties off, its allowing me to see more of our players and to get to know them better. I get to be around more of the team this way and it gives me a better feel for our abilities as a whole, instead of just the offense."

The Blazers continue the split squad practices on Saturday before a full-team practice on Sunday. Monday will feature the final split-team practice as well as the Blazers' first day in full pads.

2009 Valdosta State Football Camp Schedule

Saturday, August 8: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.*

Sunday, August 9: 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Monday, August 10: Group B: 8:00-10:15 a.m.; Group A: 3:00-5:15 p.m.*

Tuesday, August 11: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 12: 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, August 13: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Friday, August 14: 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, August 15: 8:00-10:30 a.m.; 2:15-4:45 p.m. (Scrimmage/Stadium)

Sunday, August 16: 5:15-7:45 p.m.

Monday, August 17: 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18: 3:30-5:45 p.m.**

*Split squad scrimmages. The majority of VSU's returning starters will practice in Group A.

**Regular season practice schedule commences

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