Wake Forest Athletics
Football Practice Report #12
8/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 22, 2006
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Today's Practice: Shells
Weather: Cloudy and 82 degrees
Practice Notes: Wake Forest came out for their last day of preseason camp in just shells, to lay off a bit before the final scrimmage tomorrow night at Groves Stadium. Head Coach Jim Grobe wanted to give the Deacs a small rest after a tough, physical practice on Monday evening. Despite less contact, the team was competitive on the field, working on both sides of the ball, but paying particular attention to the kicking game.
Going into tomorrow, Grobe is looking to refine the fundamentals before Syracuse.
"During the first scrimmage, we were a little bit ragged at times because it was the first time we had done a total situation scrimmage," Grobe said. "Tomorrow we are going to try and do the same and I hope that we respond a little bit and that we can see some progress."
Snapshot: One of the more experienced players on the defensive line, Josh Gattis is ready to come out in his final year and make his presence known. Going into his final day of camp, Gattis is ready to go and feeling confident going into the first game.
"Right now I feel really good. As a team I also feel good because I think this is the most focused team that I have seen since I have been here. As long as we stay focused and hungry then we are going to have a good outing against Syracuse."
In the scrimmage last week, the defense shined and allowed just one touchdown and forcing two turnovers in a game that saw about 70 plays. Going into the final day of camp and the last scrimmage, Gattis is excited that camp is finished, but staying focused on what is ahead.
"The last day of camp makes you excited about the season. It means that we are one step closer to playing Syracuse and right now we are getting ready to think about the game plan," Gattis said. "Tomorrow we need to carry over the way we played in last week's scrimmage. If we continue to improve, then we will play well in the games. Overall the defensive needs to keep up the intensity and keep doing what we have been doing in practice."
Injury Report: LB Pierre Easley, (knee), DE Matt Robinson (knee), QB Brett Hodges (shoulder).
TE Dan Callahan, OG Boomer Peterson and DE Bryan Andrews returned after missing Monday's practice
Next Practice: 7:30pm -- scrimmage #3 at Groves Stadium
