Auburn Football 2010: Two-A-Days Begin and Seniors Graduate

Two-A-Days are here, and there is the usual overload of information coming out of practice. Once again the open secession of practice featured special teams play. 

The talented freshman class has been handed a huge dose of humility so far. They seem to be handling it well and pushing forward. Andy Bitter had an excellent video interview on Monday’s practice.

Freshmen

Tight end Dakota Mosley is learning how to handle the big stage of major SEC football. So far he seems to be progressing as one would expect from a true freshman. The staff is pushing players to step up their game.

Running back Michael Dyer has his hands full. He is learning the offense and adjusting to the speed and intensity of playing on a bigger stage. He knows that he is no longer a star until he proves it on the field.

Running back Ladarius Philips had a teachable moment in practice on Monday as he attempted to learn his role on special teams. There is little doubt he took this instruction to heart.

Freshman defensive end Corey Lemonier became the first recipient of praise from Head Coach Gene Chizik. In this rare bit of praise he said Lemonier could compete for a spot right away. This was unexpected as most of the previous hype had been centered on other members of the freshman class.

Lemonier should be commended for his effort, I can’t even imagine how much effort it must have taken for a freshman to earn such praise. He deserves a shout out from fans.

Here is a photo gallery courtesy of the Auburn official athletic site. There are some really exceptional photos in this collection.

Graduation

Mike Blanc, Mario Fannin, Byron Isom, Ryan Shoemaker and Terrell Zachery graduated on Monday August 9, 2010. They join teammates Mike Berry, Zach Clayton, Zac Etheridge, Michael Goggins, Aairon Savage and Craig Stevens that previously graduated.

This gives Auburn the true mark of a talented team. Eleven players that have graduated before their senior season even starts is a remarkable accomplishment. This is what collegiate athletics are about. Auburn fans start the season with eleven winners on their team.

Morning Practice

Gene Chizik spoke positively about the intensity of Tuesday morning practice. He had been displeased with intensity on Monday and the staff encouraged some pick it up  this morning by having several players participating on muscle beach.

Intensity and strength is bound to go up, while liberal doses of up-downs were applied for motivation as well. The players took all of this well and continued to progress in preparing for the season.

Morning practice was conducted without pads. Evening practice is expected to be in full pads.

Injuries Requiring Limited Practice

Trovon Reed has an injury that is considered minor.

DeAngelo Benton has a broken bone and his hand is in a cast.

Sourcing

Andy Bitter

Auburn Athletic Web Site