March 30, 2006

ATHENS, Ohio - The third day of Ohio's spring practice was the squad's first in full pads. After not going through contact drills since the season ended last November, the Bobcats were ready for some action.

"It's ones versus ones, so it's pretty intense," junior offensive lineman Matt Miller (Mechanicsville, Va.) said. "We're trying to get after it as much as possible."

Thursday's workout began a stretch of 11 straight practices with contact. According to the players, that's fine with them.

"I kind of missed it. After the season, about all we can do is lift weights," sophomore defensive lineman Jameson Hartke (Centerville, Ohio) said. "It's good to be out here hitting. That's what football is all about."

While the first day of pads brought a new element to practice, the Bobcats' focus continues to be on making sure the squad is ready for the 2006 campaign. The continuity of the staff and systems in place from last season should aid in accomplishing that goal.

"This is the first season since I've been here that we get to transfer the same offense over," Miller said. "We already know most of our stuff, and it's definitely helping a lot. We're finally getting it down pat."

The same could be said for the defensive side of the ball.

"Everything is going real smooth," said Hartke. "People are doing the right things. The coaches are doing their thing out here. We're on the right track."

There was one player on the field who didn't have the same experience as everyone else. Senior quarterback Austen Everson (Brentwood, Tenn.) was the only player to don the red jersey signifying he wasn't to be touched.

"I don't know if my head can take too many shots," Everson joked. "Really it's not that different because guys usually ease up on the quarterbacks anyway."

Even while not participating in any contact drills, Everson could sense the sense of excitement on the field Thursday.

"Everybody was excited about getting out, but guys are still a little rusty," he said. "There's still a lot of things we need to work on mentally, but it's only the third day of spring. It went well. People were excited to go hit somebody."

The next step for the Bobcats will be a more game-like atmosphere. The Bobcats will scrimmage twice before its spring game..

"I'm sure the scrimmages will be heated," Everson said. "It's definitely good to get the intensity and see guys running around and flying to the football."

The American Collegiate Community Green & White Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. The day will begin at 11 a.m. with the Follett's University Bookstore Bobcat Blitz, which includes a pre-game party at Pepsi Tail-Great Park and a 5K run. For more information on the day's events, go to www.bobcatblitz.com or contact the Ohio University Sports Administration & Facility Management Program at 740-593-4666.