TicketsAug. 11, 2010
Binns Interview | Developing UC's Freshmen Class (CoachButchJones.com)
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati football team returned to the Nippert Stadium turf, donning shoulder pads for the first time for its third practice of preseason camp.
The team worked out in helmets and shells for a little over two hours under variable skies, heat, and humidity. It was UC's third of five NCAA-mandated acclimatization days.
Head Coach Butch Jones was pleased with the way his team responded despite the conditions.
"We're in shape," Jones said. "Now it's about developing that mental toughness and working through it. It's what camp is about. Our sports medicine staff, led by Bob Mangine, has done a great job of taking care of us in the heat."
With the addition of shoulder pads to the mix Wednesday, there was a bit more contact as well as some extensive offense against defense action. Practice saw periods of both 7-on-7, and 11-on-11 with the receivers and defensive backs doing battle.
The special teams unit was again a focal point today with the field goal unit seeing its first action of the spring. Senior Jacob Rogers was perfect on four field goal attempts. Rogers worked with holder Patrick O'Donnell and long snapper Tom DeTemple, carrying over a combination that began working together this spring.
UC returns to the field Thursday for its fourth practice at Nippert Stadium this week. The team will move to its off-campus site, the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center, for two weeks after practice Thursday.
The Bearcats open the 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Fresno State. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN2. UC will open the home schedule on Sept. 11 against Indiana State at noon inside Nippert Stadium. Call 1-877-CATS-TIX or visit CATSTIX.com to reserve your season tickets today.