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When does Spring Training start?

AusTxPony wrote:When does Spring Training start?

Soon.

3/25/13

June doesn't do a spring game, correct?

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe he generally does not because of the risk of player injuries, but I think hes done a few controlled scrimmages...

We don't hit in practice either do we?

Like a lot of coaches JJ, is not a fan of full tilt contact … line’em up and get after it because of the injury risk, certainly good arguments for both. I do think it puts us a little behind that first game … because we are not at game speed or hitting shape … which is different than conditioning shape. I understand the backing off more in season for the obvious reasons. Guys do hit in drills esp. "D", and during 11-11 teams drills the lines and LB’s get after it … but its hit .. wrap-up and don’t bring to the turf. It’s not the hitting part that gets guys hurt, its bodies falling to the turf. They have a controlled scrimmage at the end of spring ball .. but it’s for some 2’s and all 3 and 4’s … and they get after it. Remember last spring … during this scrimmage the Frosh lineman from CA (can’t remember his name right now), broke his leg and was out for the season. I’m sure that had Coach Jones thinking … that’s why I don’t go full contact often, esp. with the 1’s.

Listen --

if you're alabama, it's fine because you have 3 deep at every position ready to step in and play well.

if you're a smaller program (likek SMU), and you have absolutely zero depth at a lot of key positions (NT, DE, DB positions come to mind) - hold off on the contact as much as possible. Teach techniques, get them ready for contact in that first game - but don't risk injury to your key personnel.

ok by me.

Spring Game: Same diatribe, different year.

Any chance these practices will be open to the public this year?

Reich got hurt, and I think Spring practice was pretty open last year, especially on the weekends?

The team is a lot deeper this year, I wouldn't be surprised to see a little more contact, especially defense against the scout team.