Tulane Football Completes First Week of Fall Camp
Aug 9, 2015 | Football
NEW ORLEANS -The Tulane football team completed its first week of fall camp on a high note as the Green Wave practiced for the first time in full pads on Sunday for nearly three hours at Yulman Stadium.
The Tulane coaching staff and players could not have for a better conditions for the team's debut in full pads. The Green Wave practiced under cloudy skies with a slight breeze and temperatures in the mid-to-late 80's.
"The first week has been very good and I am really impressed with the offense," Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson said. "Tanner (Lee) is coming along very well and he is starting to open up the offense a lot more and our tight ends are playing well. Our two freshmen corners (Dedrick Shy and Taris Shenall), along with Malik Eugene, I really like what they are doing, as well as Devin Glenn, Ricky Preston and Andrew Hicks on offense. We are coming along pretty well."
The Green Wave spent the first hour working in individual groups focusing on technique, routes and situations. The team then turned its attention to special teams with senior punter Peter Picerelli booming the majority of his attempts 50+ yards. On the other end, several players auditioned for punt return duties, including sophomore Teddy Veal, who led the team with nine returns last season, senior Darion Monroe, redshirt-sophomore Parry Nickerson, Terren Encalade and Sherman Badie and freshmen Ricky Preston and Devin Glenn.
The Green Wave then turned its attention to team run/play-action pass and 7-of-7 before the each side buckled up and the cracking of pads was heard around Yulman Stadium for the first time.
Lee opened up with the offense and made a huge gains, including a long pass to running back Dontrell Hilliard on a slant play. The defense then stiffened and came up with a turnover off senior running back Rob Kelley.
Play of the Day
A pair of redshirt-sophomores hooked for the play of the team. With the Green Wave donning full pads for the first time during fall camp, the team ended the practice with a team period. Early on, quarterback Tanner Lee took command of the offense and his best throw came on a quick slant over the middle to running back Dontrell Hilliard, who hauled in the pitch-and-catch and rattled off a 30-yard gain. The play was similar to the Lee-to-Hilliard 63-yard touchdown pass last season at Houston.
Player of the Day
Sophomore tight end Trey Scott. Tulane's tight ends combined for 33 receptions a year ago, but if Scott's production today is any indication of what the future holds there could be a lot more throws to the talented tight ends group this season. Scott hauled in throw after throw today in short yardage situations, play-action and he even went over the middle to make a few grabs.
Quote of the Day
"Good stance, hips, hands and feet. Tickle the grass!" -- Tulane defensive line coach Kwahn Drake during his unit's "three-point, explode and drive" drill.
Up Next
Tulane begins the second week of fall camp on Monday at 8 a.m. at Yulman Stadium. The practice is open to both the media and public. Following practice, Green Wave head coach Curtis Johnson and select players will meet with members of the media at the team's annual media day.
Tulane will open the 2015 campaign against Duke at 8:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Yulman Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network and on WMTI 106.1 FM.
Season tickets and season parking passes remain available for purchase.
A Pick 3 Mini Plan is also now on sale. Fans can choose three home football games starting at $99. Westfeldt Terrace packages are also available for $125 with a $125 required donation to the Tulane Athletics Fund. For more ticket information, call (504) 861-WAVE or visit the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.
Fans can follow Tulane football on Twitter (@GreenWaveFB) or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TulaneFootball.
Good morning #Tulane fans! It's a great day for football at Yulman Stadium @Nico2Marley & the LBs are working hard. pic.twitter.com/axQufKtfbT
-- Tulane Football (@GreenWaveFB) August 9, 2015
That noise you hear are the pads popping at #Tulane's 1st practice in full pads on Sunday. #RollWave pic.twitter.com/Qas7v7Bvj2
-- Tulane Football (@GreenWaveFB) August 9, 2015
