Spring Break
Aggie football team prepares for fall season
By: Jack Molitor
Issue date: 8/6/07 Section: News
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"Kenith was sidelined with some minor surgery," Franchione said. "We won't have him back for a while and although I don't like to talk about injuries, I can say it's not season ending."
Franchione said this team is the most experienced he has had in his five years as head coach. There was visible excitement on the faces of the players walking through the halls of the Bright Football Complex.
"I am excited and I know they are, too," Franchione said. "It feels good to be back and ready to go. There are no real injuries to speak of and everyone is in great shape."
Franchione attributes the conditioning of his players to A&M's great off-season program. Since the summer practices ended, the players have been doing nothing but lifting weights and running in preparation for the season. Franchione said he is pleased the team can concentrate on football and not have to worry about getting into shape.
"The guys told me that they're really excited to get out of the weight room and onto the field," Franchione said. "We have our first practice tomorrow and I think our off-season conditioning program has made a big difference."
As far as personnel, Franchione said the starters on both sides are determined. There are a few players listed as "athletes" on the roster, and there are a few community college transfers that do not have their roles determined, but Franchione was not concerned.
"We have our kicking and punting games pretty much set. We have six or seven players returning on defense and nine returning on offense, so we feel very good about the experience we have coming back," Franchione said. "The biggest concern will be the freshman on defense. Luckily we have a very experienced special teams unit returning as well."
Franchione also mentioned the situation of the defense. This will be the second year for Defensive Coordinator Gary Darnell, and after reducing the opponents' points per game from 31.2 in 2005 to 20.5 in 2006, Franchione said he is hoping for even more improvement.
"Last year was the first year with Gary at the helm, and I think it was an all-year project getting everything we wanted installed, and we still did well," Franchione said. "Now that we've had a whole year and a summer, we have everything we want installed on defense, and I expect to see some major retention among the players, especially the experienced ones."
The McFerrin Football Center next to the Bright Complex is under construction, but one indoor field is ready for use. Franchione said because of the recent weather, the team might use the facility more than he expected.
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