HAMMOND – The Southeastern Louisiana University football team donned pads for the first time in spring training as the Lions worked out for two hours Thursday on the Southeastern Practice Fields.
The Lions, who were scheduled to work out on Friday, moved their third of 15 scheduled practices of spring drills up a day early as heavy rain is expected to fall in the Hammond area. The change in schedule didn't damper the spirits of the Thursday afternoon workout as the Lions worked on all areas of its game.
“We had a very good day today,” first-year coach
Ron Roberts said. “The attitude has been great all three days, and that's all we're asking for. We want our guys to come out and get better (each day) and they have done that. I thought today was a lot better than the first two, even with putting the pads on.”
With installing a new offensive and defensive scheme coupled with Southeastern's season opener set for Sept. 1 at Missouri, Roberts said his team still has a long way to go but likes the direction his team is headed.
“We've got a long ways to go and we have a lot of things we need to work on,” Roberts said. “Right now, we're sticking to one day at a time, but I'm pleased with the effort and the attitude that we have.”
Southeastern will review video from the first three practices before getting back on the field Monday. The Lions, who will hold their Spring Game on March 31, will return to action in pads.
“In the next couple of days, we're going to get a look at some good video and teaching time and be able to work with these guys and get better as a team,” Roberts said. “Hopefully, next week when we hit the field, we'll be a lot better than we were today.”
Looking to boost depth at the tight end position as senior
C.J. Ogbuehi serves as the team's only healthy option with
Jordan Moon recovering from a knee injury, Roberts moved offensive lineman
Hunter Craven and redshirt freshman Tyler Jenkins to the position. Craven, who was an All-District performer in high school, started the final three games at right tackle last season in place of
Paul Roppolo.
Roberts also added a member of the Lions' basketball team – DeShawn Patterson – to the roster after the senior completed his playing career on the hardwood and has one season remaining. Patterson, a 6-foot-4 product, played high school ball at Houma's Vandebilt Catholic High School where he was an All-District and All-Region pick.
“He's been a good addition, especially in his third day of camp,” Roberts said. “For him (playing football), he's back as a rookie, but he's got a lot of ability and we hope to see him get better each day.”
