Note: This will be the first of a three-part series about 2010 MSU Spring Football
MOREHEAD, Ky.--For Morehead State football coach
Matt Ballard, nothing would help the preparation for the 2010 football season like a strong spring. So far, that’s what he’s gotten.
Ballard, who dealt with two seasons worth of injuries in just four months time last year, is pleased that he’s been able to work his whole team out so far this year. With almost two weeks of spring practice complete, that’s one of the things that Ballard believes has led to successful practices.
“The first thing that jumps out to you after seven days of practice under our belt and one full-length scrimmage is that we’re fit as a fiddle,” Ballard said. “We’re as healthy as we’ve ever been.”
The Eagles are coming off of a 3-8 season in which almost every part of the team suffered a key injury. In addition, the loss of three defensive stalwarts (
Wes McDermott, Derek Steiner,
Andrew Doan) to graduation leaves a lot of work for Ballard and his staff, both in getting his players back in to playing shape and finding replacements for graduated players. Having healthy players for spring practice is essential in preparing for the fall.
“We were so ravaged by injury last season, it’s important with the guys coming back for us to be healthy,” Ballard said. “We have some big shoes to fill and it’s been wonderful so far. We’ve had no major injuries where guys have lost reps.”
With several positions in flux and open for competition, Ballard has found his players effort to be outstanding in the spring practice sessions.
“The second thing that has been impressive in spring practice is that on both sides of the ball we’ve been so aggressive. We’ve had a high tempo with guys flying around going after the ball,” Ballard said.
The high-octane effort combined with the ability to remain healthy has resulted in very positive moves forward for the Eagles.
“The result is that we have taken seven big steps forward and have not had a bad day, have not taken a step back,” Ballard said. “Now we have to work on the little things, not missing our assignments and consistency. Becoming more consistent would be a big step for us right now.”
Settling into a grove by the end of spring and finding that consistency and having everything click on both sides of the ball will be key for MSU prior to the start of the 2010 season. The Eagles open up at James Madison, a FCS former national champion are a good tough road test.
Morehead State’s spring practice will culminate on Sunday, April 25 with the annual Blue-White spring game. The game will be played at 2:00 pm at Jayne Stadium.
The next part in this series will be an early look at the 2010 Eagle offense.
