Preseason Camp Report -- Aug. 12
Getting back to Monday's discussion about the physical condition of this team, there is another way to gauge how well this team worked out in the offseason -- the training room.
Nearly a week into preseason camp and there has been a lower-than-usual number of players in the training room, reports the team's head athletic trainer, Andy Mutnan, the school's associated director of sports medicine.
Sure, there are a handful of players who are injured, or recovering from offseason injuries, but what's missing are the players with pulled muscles or dehydration issues or other problems often associated with a lower level of physical conditioning.
"Now that we are in full pads, we'll see more of the bumps and bruises associated with that," Mutnan said. "But other than that, I'm pleased. When we did our run testing on Friday, every single player passed. That is a testament to the work they did in the offseason."
CAMPER OF THE DAY: Senior center Kenneth Ackerman.
With four-year starter Dominic Green having exhausted his eligbility, the Wolf Pack is missing a big piece of its offensive line, on and off the field. Green, a co-captain last year, was a leader on the field and in the locker room and filling each of those voids are important tasks, not to mention the challenge of replacing Green's production.
But Ackerman, a part-time starter at both center and guard in the past, is emerging this season as a senior. He's becoming a more vocal leader through the first six day of camp.
"Kenny uses his assets to his advantage and he plays with great quickness," offensive coordinator and line coach Chris Klenakis said. "He is just a great competitor."
WHAT'S ON TAP: The first controlled scrimmage of the camp is scheduled for Thursday, which is also the team's first set of two-a-day practices. After a morning workout at Wolf Pack Park (closed to public), the team will have a controlled scrimmage at Mackay Stadium in the afternoon. It is expected to begin around 4 p.m. If you plan to attend, fans must sit in the stands on the West sideline and stay off the track and sidelines. No still or video photograpghy or recording devices of any kind are allowed, with the exception of accredited media members.
