VIDEO INTERVIEW
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Samford football team practiced for about two hours in full pads in cold and rainy conditions Wednesday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The workout was the seventh of 15 the Bulldogs will go through this spring.
Despite the weather conditions, Samford head coach
Pat Sullivan said he thought Wednesday's workout was a productive practice. Sullivan said he can see his team making progress as it goes through spring practice.
“I thought we had a really good practice today,” Sullivan said. “They were enthusiastic. We were able to get some live work in today, which was the first real good live work we've had all spring, and I thought it went well.”
Sullivan also mentioned some individuals that caught his eye during Wednesday's practice.
“(Linebacker)
Justin Cooper made a couple of nice plays,” Sullivan said. “It was good to see him start learning some of our stuff. I thought our running backs had a good practice today. (Defensive lineman)
Jerry Mathis has had some injuries that he's fought through, and he's pushed himself and has really gotten a lot out of spring so far.”
The Samford defense must replace six starters from last season. All-American safety
Jaquiski Tartt is one of the five returning starters from the 2012 defense. Tartt said he feels like some younger players are stepping up to the fill the holes left by seniors from last season's team.
“I think the younger DBs have been showing a lot of progress,” Tartt said. “We have plenty of time to get better.”
Last season, Tartt led the team with 94 tackles. He also had a team-high four interceptions and 10 pass break-ups. Individually, Tartt said he wants to improve in every area of his game as the spring progresses.
“I really just want to improve on everything,” Tartt said. “I want to work on my technique, watching film and just everything that goes under the category of getting better at football.”
Samford will hold its first scrimmage of spring practice on Saturday evening at Seibert Stadium. The scrimmage is set to start at 5 p.m., and the workout is open to the public.
