The mention of the Wildcats’ football team putting on pads for practice for the first time Friday night brings a smile to the face of Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Triston Abron. He says the two below stuff is over. Coach Abron envisions the sound of pads and helmets coming together. He says the excitement will begin. Coach Abron says now the kids can get physical and get after each other. He anticipates the Wildcats top offensive and top defensive players facing off.
Coach Abron has noticed that this year’s defense is a confident one. If pressed for an inexperienced area, he mentions outside linebackers. Still he adds the Wildcats are as good at that position as they have been for several years now. Coach Abron’s defensive coaches are telling him that some seniors and players with lots of experience are mentoring younger players. Defensive Line Coach Chris Valdovinos mentions that he was going to correct a younger player at a recent practice until he noticed that senior Dee Dugan was already talking to his fellow defender. Inside Linebacker Coach Bruce Silman says Jaxon Reneau and K.J. Abron were assisting Lawrence Worth as Worth has moved from outside to inside linebacker. Coach Abron says veteran safeties Sebastian Adams and D. J. Abron are helping a move in safety new to the program. Coach Abron calls these examples unselfish acts as players help other players competing with them get better.
He says all four days of practice so far have been good. Coach Abron says if defenders keep up the energy level they can do something special this year. Perhaps the defense’s area of strength is at cornerback. Coach Abron says Cornerback Coach Cameron Warren can practically pull names out of the hat and come up with quality players at corner. Coach Abron mentions Terrell Turman, Cor’Tavius Pruitt over from wide receiver, Damiyon Dugan, Tiesan Goodson, Conner Burgin, and Andy Eddins. Some of these players, like safety Austin Dodd, will be also taking some snaps on offense. Coach Abron is stressing a bend but don’t break philosophy on defense.
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