HUNTINGDON HOLDS FIRST PRACTICE IN FULL PADS

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The preseason progression continued for the Huntingdon College football team on Monday.

The first four practices focused on learning and conditioning. One more aspect was added for the fifth practice. After two days in shorts and helmets and two days in shoulder pads, shorts and helmets, the Hawks were able to dress out in full pads Monday morning.

Head coach Mike Turk was pleased to see another good day of effort and excitement from his team. Turk said there is a long way to go, but the progress is good.

"We're still installing new things and that's a process," Turk said. "Each time you add something new, there's a learning period and you're going to make mistakes. We're making mistakes on both sides of the ball right now, but we're getting better."

As for the first time in full pads, Turk said the Hawks have a lot of work to do on tackling.

"Today was our first time to tackle at full speed and we've got to get better," Turk said. "But every team in the country has to get better at tackling right now. That's one thing you can't work on all summer. We'll keep working and we'll get there."

Turk said he is seeing a lot of good things out of his defense. Guys like D.J. Chappell and Jeremy Hooks are helping to set the tone on the defensive line.

"We have some guys returning up front that are doing a good job with their assignments," Turk said. "I've noticed D.J. has been in our backfield a lot and Jeremy seems to be playing well. But you can never have enough good defensive linemen. Like most coaches will tell you, your defense is going to be as good as your defensive front allows you to be. It's encouraging that we seem to be making strides on the defensive front."

Huntingdon will hold its first two-a-day practice of the preseason on Tuesday. The Hawks will take the field at 9 a.m. and again for a shorter session at 4 p.m.

Turk said one of the things he wants to keep emphasizing to his team is the importance of having the right attitude in the coming days.  

"If we bring the right attitude to the field each day, we'll get to where we want to be," Turk said. "Right now we're doing that. Our leaders are encouraging each other. As long as we can get that kind of effort and enthusiasm, then we've got a chance."