CAMP FOOTAGE

After a rugged two-a-day session on Wednesday, the Prairie View A&M Panthers had only one practice today on the practice fields behind Blackshear Stadium.  The Panthers spent plenty of time on their passing game this morning as their wide receivers are expected to play a huge role in the team's success on offense this fall.

One of the youngest areas on the field last fall, the unit returns intact as every starter from 2011 returns to the lineup.  Redshirt senior Spencer Nelson was the biggest beneficiary of Offensive Coordinator Mark Orlando's scheme as he led the Panthers with a career-high 53 receptions for 659 yards and five touchdowns.  Outside receiver and sophomore Greg Thurmond finished second on the team with 24 receptions, 382 yards and four touchdowns followed by fellow outside receiver and senior Deandre Cooper's 244 receiving yards on 23 receptions and three touchdowns.  Sophomore Gabe Dunlap also opened a lot of eyes in the spring and should become a major contributor as he caught three receptions for 41 yards as a freshman.

While all the above return, receivers coach Harry Williams is very excited about junior newcomer Jacoby Anderson.  After an impressive spring outing, Anderson came out of nowhere this past spring and vaulted himself into the starting lineup.

With the amount of returness plus Anderson, head coach Heishma Northern plans on spreading the ball around this season.

“Last year was the first time our returnees played extensively while the freshmen were learning on the fly,” said Northern.  “We look forward to all of them learning from their experiences and stepping up this season to become playmakers.  I expect three to four of those guys to have 30 to 40 receptions each so it won't allow defenses to focus on one receiver.”

The Panthers will hold another set of two-days on Friday before holding its first scrimmage at 10 a.m. on Saturday.