Defense Shines As Football Conducts Fourth Preseason Practice
Aug 11, 2011 | Football
Aug. 11, 2011
Video Interview With Head Coach B.Toledo
Video Interview With Linebacker Zach Davis
Video Interview With Wide Receiver B.LeBeau
NEW ORLEANS - It was a day for the defense as the Tulane University football team held its fourth preseason practice on Thursday morning at the Westfeldt Practice Facility.
Donning helmets, shoulder pads and shorts for the second consecutive day, the Green Wave went through its usual array of drills and spent a substantial portion of the day focusing on the kickoff, punt and field goal units. The day, however, belonged to the defense as members of the Tulane `D' combined for a pair of interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a handful of pass break-ups and several pad-popping hits.
"This was our second day in shells and tomorrow we put on the full gear," Tulane head football coach Bob Toledo said. "I tell you what, our enthusiasm was great. In the middle of practice, the defense was getting fired up. There was a lot of focus and I think that's good. Focus and energy goes a long way.
"I think our defense is much improved from a year ago. I think our defensive coaches have done a nice job of preparing them. We've got better players and we've got more numbers. I just think it's a better group and I'd be disappointed if they don't perform better."
Junior Ryan Travis and sophomore Kendrell Washington both picked off passes during seven-on-seven drills and the trio of safety Taylor Echols, linebacker Zach Davis and cornerback Jordan Sullen each tallied a pass break-up. In addition, sophomore defensive tackle Shane Delery - who missed all of the 2010 season with an elbow injury - and true-freshman defensive lineman Corey Redwine recorded one fumble recovery apiece.
The offense was not without its highlights as well, however. Junior quarterback Ryan Griffin showed some mobility by escaping a ferocious pass rush to fire a bullet to sophomore receiver Brent Comardelle in traffic which turned into a 55-yard touchdown. In addition, back-up signal caller D.J. Ponder connected with rookie wideout Brandon LeBeau for a long gainer up the left sideline, and true-freshman running back Danté Butler showed good moves and speed in hitting the hole and ripping off some nice runs.
While Toledo was pleased with his team's effort on the field following day four of fall camp, he also formally announced the addition of six newcomers to the Green Wave program. Tulane added scholarship offensive lineman Taylor Perry (San Diego, Calif./Fallbrook HS) along with five freshmen walk-ons: safety Anthony Bronzo (West Harrison, N.Y./Fordham Prep), quarterback Jordy Joseph (New Iberia, La./New Iberia HS), defensive back Ryan Kaminski (Bradenton, Fla./The Out-of-Door Academy), linebacker Brandon Schmidt (Lafayette, La./St. Thomas More HS) and wide receiver Darius Tenney (Atlanta, Ga./Sandy Creek HS).
All six student-athletes have been with the team since the start of preseason practice and have been in the regular rotations at their respective positions.
"We've got 13 walk-ons (on the 2011 roster) and some of them were with us last year," Toledo said. "Guys like Stephen Suchy, Carlos Wilson and some other guys have helped contribute. We have some kids who worked out with the team this summer and that's helped them catch up to what we're doing. The one thing we try to do with our walk-ons is we try to treat them just like a scholarship athlete. We treat them with respect. They get the gear just like everyone else and we don't treat them as `just a walk-on.'"
The Green Wave return to practice on Friday, Aug. 12, when they take the field in full pads for the first time this year at 8:45 a.m.. From there, Tulane will hold its first two-a-day practice on Saturday with sessions beginning at 8:45 a.m. and 3:50 p.m.
Tulane formally kicks off the 2011 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, when the Green Wave play host to Southeastern Louisiana at 2:30 p.m. in the Louisiana Superdome. Season and individual-game ticket sales are currently for sale through the Tulane Athletics Ticket Office. The Ticket Office is located on the first floor of the James W. Wilson, Jr., Center on Ben Weiner Drive, and tickets can be purchased in person, over the phone at 504-861-WAVE (9283) or via the Internet at www.TulaneGreenWave.com.
