Field Notes - 8.18.16
James Madison held practice Thursday morning at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg. The Dukes are more than halfway through preseason camp in preparation for the Sept. 3 opener against Morehead State.
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- At the end of each camp session, JMU coach Mike Houston has some of his players work on different special teams phases while other players have to complete conditioning with strength coach John Williams. Houston said players on the four major special teams – kickoff, kickoff return, punt and punt return – get their conditioning in on just about every rep. Houston added this method helps emphasize the importance of special teams and encourages players to get involved. If players are on special teams they don’t have to go through regular conditioning drills such as sprints. Once the typical game weeks begin, Houston said JMU would work special teams at the start of practice.
- Houston said he has a rule that starters on offense or defense can only play on two of the four major special teams units. The first-year coach said he probably could use starters such as John Miller, Taylor Reynolds, Gage Steele or Raven Greene on all four units, but he doesn’t want them to be worn out due to the effort required on special teams. Houston and his coaching staff are prioritizing where some of those offense and defensive starters can be “the most impactful."
- Greene missed his third straight day of practice with an injury Houston would not disclose. “We’re hoping he comes back early next week,” Houston said.
- Wide receiver Brandon Ravenel is also “banged up,” according to Houston. Ravenel is practicing, but in a medical red jersey. Last Friday, Ravenel appeared to injure himself while trying to catch a deep ball. "It says a lot about his leadership that he continues to practice even though he has some bumps and bruises right now,” Houston said.
- Offensive line coach Jamal Powell echoed comments Houston made Tuesday during his media day press conference regarding true freshman Mac Patrick. Houston said Patrick could see the field as early as this fall. Powell added that Patrick has picked up the offense and has shown he can be physical.
- Through 11 days of camp, Powell said his position group has improved its leverage coming off the ball at the line of scrimmage. The second-year offensive line coach said he has coached his players to use the sled and chute more.
- Linebackers coach Byron Thweatt said there is a “heavyweight battle” between junior Brandon Hereford and sophomore Dimitri Holloway for the starting "WILL" linebacker position. Thweatt said both Hereford and Holloway would be on the field in JMU’s nickel package since both are capable of covering in space.
- Quarterback Connor Mitch took some first-team reps Thursday morning. After practice, the South Carolina transfer said he has a better understanding of the offense.
- Mitch is trying to surpass Bryan Schor for the starting role. Competition isn’t new to Mitch — last year at this time he was trying to win the starting job at South Carolina.