Training camp 2011 has officially come to an end for the Prairie View A&M Panthers as they went through a two-hour practice on Friday afternoon at Blackshear Field.
“I thought it was a pretty physical camp as we established the tempo we wanted to go with,” said head coach Heishma Northern. “Some guys couldn't be out there because of injuries or from a heat standpoint but we're going to play the guys that we have to play with.”
Northern was also pleased with the performances of several upperclassmen throughout camp and his stable of young running backs.
“I think (cornerback) Moses Ellis and (wide receiver) Deandre Cooper had outstanding camps along with several young running backs that did well,” he said. “We knew they were good but we now have to see how they play when they're tired and can they concentrate and hold on to the ball in late game situations. I think we'll have a good ball club but we now have to focus on developing depth and praying the injury bug stays away from us this year.”
With several holes to fill on both sides of the ball in addition to a new offensive scheme, this year's camp was extra important as the Panthers had to get everyone on the same page from the freshmen to the seniors. As a result, don't be surprised if freshmen are playing a key role in the team's game plan this season.
“We sort of knew - especially at the running back or wide receiver spot - that we would have to count on some freshmen,” said Northern. “Hopefully, they'll come on in and do what they're supposed to do and that's go to school and make football plays on the football field.”
Classes officially begin on Monday at Prairie View A&M University with the first game scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 4 in Orlando, Fla. versus Bethune-Cookman University in the annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Northern said he's going to approach each game week-by-week and focus on the task at hand.
“We're focusing on what Bethune-Cookman is going to do and also what we're going to do,” stated Northern. “We'll take it one day at a time.”
