Blogging Maroon & Gold (April 1st, 2011) - Spring Football

Well Bobcat fans, it’s been too long between blogs for yours truly, and with my editor hovering over me like a hawk, I have newfound inspiration to write my next blog! I suppose I could post daily musings here on the TXST site, but I don’t want to become the “Creed” (The Office) of the AD, and share my thoughts daily at www.brantthoughts.gov.www/blog.org/....whatever address Creed was using in the show. Anyways, let’s the get the ball rolling with the M&G Blog again, and what better topic than football?

Spring Practice is underway at Texas State, and I’ve got to tell you, I’ve been to quite a few practices in my eight years covering Bobcat Football, and there’s a noticeably different feel with this coaching staff. That certainly isn’t a knock on previous coaches at Texas State, it’s just that being around a Coach Fran practice, there’s a big-time, no-nonsense approach that’s pretty refreshing. Coach Franchione does a wonderful job in the public eye, and has a knack for marketing the program, and is an easy man to talk to. But he has a different persona with a whistle around his neck, and isn’t afraid to get after the players if they make a mistake.

One of the most interesting observations out at practice, and some have you have probably noticed this as well, is that there’s always someone on the sidelines throwing a white towel into the air after every play in practice. At first, I wondered if this was because there was a penalty on the play. Bill Culhane and I asked Coach Franchione about it afterwards, and he told us the reason for it, is that when coaches review practice tape, there’s no audio. They can’t hear the whistle on the tape. He and his staff want to make sure that the players are playing all the way to the whistle, and will catch them if they aren’t on film. Pretty neat, huh?

Other random observations from Spring Practice…

- Soph QB Tyler Arndt tore his ACL this past October. I’m not a doctor, but based on what I do know, is that ACL recovery takes anywhere from 8-10 months. He’s back on the field, practicing, throwing well, and remember, he was helped off the field just five months ago. It also looks like he added some weight, although the coaches say he still needs to get into game shape, understandable when you can’t put much weight on your knees for a prolonged period of time.

- Speaking of players coming back from injury, RB Marcus Curry, who tore his Achilles early in fall camp this past season, looks healthy and ready to go. He is such a dynamic, explosive player, just picture him doing this at Texas State over the next couple of seasons. Scary (fast forward to the :55 and 1:18 marks). Should also note he’s great to visit with in person, very friendly and looks to be a solid teammate.

- Lot of buzz about JuCo (Blinn JC) transfer Shaun Rutherford. He’s done everything from play QB, WR, and even punter. He’s just a pure athlete, who I would expect to see in certain packages throughout the season. Seen him make quite a few plays so far in the Spring…

- Devin Baker, who was recruited as a Tight End from nearby Smithson Valley High School, has been moved to Offensive Line. Remember how well Calvin Gore, another former SV grad played on the o-line at TXST?

- CB Darryl Morris is special. Was the best player in the secondary last season, and by the looks of it at practice, will be again in 2011.

By the way, don’t forget that the Maroon & Gold Spring Game is Saturday, April 16^th, Coach Fran will actually be joining Bill and I in the broadcast booth for the game, and serve as an analyst. Also that week, Monday, April 11^th, Coach Fran will be “Dining at Jones Hall” on the Texas State Campus. I’ll be blogging about all that as well, just go to www.brantsthoughts.gov.www...you know the address.

Eat ‘Em Up!

- Brant (reach me at txstradio@gmail.com)

No Comment