Day two of year two of the Turner Gill era was another warm and muggy day at UB Stadium. A slight breeze provided the only relief on a day that served as a reminder that while football practice may be underway, fall weather is still a few weeks off. For the second consecutive day, the players were outfitted in just helmets and shoulder pads and there was limited contact.
For the second consecutive day, the field goal units opened the practice session and they were again highly successful. The group, led by Gerry McGroatry and holder Ben Woods, looks to continue the success they had in 2006 when Bulls’ kickers went 7-for-7 on field goal attempts in MAC play.
When the 11-on-11 drills began, receiver Brett Hamlin had the most notable day offensively, making five grabs for 39 yards. Hamlin was sidelined for the majority of the 2006 season, but looks ready to go in 2007.
Naaman Roosevelt did not see any time under center in the 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 drills today, but his time at quarterback has clearly benefited him in the way he understands the offense, even while lined up as a receiver.
Several members of the defensive unit stood out today during the 11-on-11 period. Senior Kareem Byrom set the tone for the defense by recording an interception off of a deflected pass on the first play of the 11-on-11. Junior Andre Evans also stood out among the defensive backfield with several pass breakups.
In the front seven, Chris Callahan and Trevor Scott each found their way to the quarterback on more than one occasion, while Larry Hutchinson looked good at the linebacker spot, along with David Hubbard who recorded an interception this afternoon.
The Bulls will return to the field again Monday as they continue to prepare for the season opener on August 30 at Rutgers.
