TicketsApril 8, 2009
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati football returned to the practice field in full pads Wednesday, for a two-hour workout under sunny skies at Nippert Stadium.
After the team's opening day outing at Great American Ball Park on Monday, Tuesday's practice was postponed due to the wintry mix that moved through the tri-State area. Wednesday marked the fifth of 15 allotted practices during the spring season.
Wednesday was short-yardage day, with the session closing with 11-on-11 in the red zone. Head coach Brian Kelly continued to make the improvement of the offense in short-yardage situations a priority this spring.
"It is spring football, and you're trying to develop for 2009," Kelly said. "You can't have a great day every day, but you're still a family. Today was short-yardage day, and we need guys to get short-yardage runs. We have to be tougher offensively. We have to be more physical. Today was one of those days where it was a teaching moment."
There has been shuffling of slots on both sides of the ball through the first week of practice as the coaches tinker with players who are the best fit at each position.
"I would not put too much stock on who's first and who's second right now," Kelly said regarding the depth chart. "We're trying to sort out a lot of stuff. Everybody is getting an opportunity to be in those first two groups. There's a lot of rotation."
Coach Kelly spoke with GoBEARCATS.com following practice and fans can view the complete interview by clicking HERE.
Two special items are up for bid on the GoBEARCATS.com auction site. Two UC fans, one on offense and one on defense, will have the chance to to be an honorary team captain for Bearcat Bowl III on April 25, 2009 at Nippert Stadium.
The winner of this once-in-a-lifetime experience will receive a sideline pass for Bearcat Bowl III, an official team-issued polo shirt, an official team-issued hat or visor, pre-game locker room access with the team, field access for the entire game, a game ball autographed by Head Coach Brian Kelly, and the captain will call the first play from the script provided by Coach Kelly before the game.
Get your bid in now by clicking .