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Rice Head Coach Bailiff says Monday's practice was fabulous
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Co-Defensive Coordinator & Safeties Coach, Craig Naivar, chats with senior LB Terrance Garmon
Every phase of this Monday morning's practice seemingly went well according to Rice Head Football Coach, David Bailiff, following a Sunday off and Saturday night's scrimmage. See Bailiff's post-practice comments in the video below.
Meanwhile, as the offense continues to find its rhythm, the defense is molding itself into what could be one of the best in Conference USA. It helps that this is a veteran group. As a result, the young incoming defensive players have bought into the concept and are taking their cue from leaders like free safety Andrew Sendejo, strong safety Chris Jones, and CAT, (safety), Travis Bradshaw. According to Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach, Craig Naivar, with those guys around, his job is a little easier.
"Having those three experienced (players) is also like having coaches on the field. They're out there helping. Things I don't see, they see. They're leaders in the meetings. They teach the younger players---how do you prepare---not only on the practice field but in meetings. How do you study? How do you know your opponent? And then, we're able to go at a quicker tempo---installation wise---because we have that experience there."
Good thing about the 2009 Owls, not only on defense, but as a team, they have depth---something they haven't enjoyed the last two seasons. However, players must stay healthy. One such example is redshirt sophomore safety, Randy Kitchens. He will add depth and size at 6'3", 215. Unfortunately, last Wednesday, Kitchens sprained his left ankle in practice. Naivar knows that Kitchens is missing valuable practice time that is essential to his development as a player.
"He was hurt last year. With hip surgery has come back. (He) has done a tremendous job of working his tail off to come back at a quicker tempo. He, (Kitchens), has a tweaked ankle right now. He'll be back by game time. (versus UAB September 5th). He really needs to be in camp right now because he needs the reps. He hasn't done it in a while. But, he's got speed and athleticism."
"He's, (Kitchens), a guy that can contribute and help us at our safety depth playing our dime and nickel packages and be a tremendous asset on special teams. Our entire room is the bulk of special teams."
But, while special teams will be an added dimension to what seems to be developing into a three-headed monster, offense, defense, and special teams, it's the tough, hard-nosed defense that will be the theme of this team this season. This group, says Naivar, understands the most important underlying theme of all.
"Our biggest emphasis this entire camp and through the entire season will be execution with production. Knowing your assignment, knowing where to be is one thing. But, producing and making a play when you're there is the big thing. We've got to execute our assignment---be where we're supposed to be. But, make a play when the opportunity arises. When you have a chance to make a play, we've got to make it. Those 'almost got there' plays, in our situation, (result in) 20, 30, 40 yard gains (for the opposition). We've got to make plays when the opportunity comes to us."
Speaking of opportuninty, redshirt senior running back Jeramy Goodson finally got the opportunity to practice today. He was a happy camper!
"Feels good just to be out there showing some leadership and hanging out with the guys my first day back." Goodson, (Lamar Consolidated), has to work on his conditioning, but knows that will come with reps and time. "I've been out since the start of two-a-days and haven't really gotten a chance to run around. But, coming back today is definitely going to help me get my conditioning back up."
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