FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 2, 2019) – The NAU football team was back at it on Tuesday afternoon with an intense and spirited practice session at the Skydome Practice Fields.
The Lumberjacks returned to work following three days off for the fourth workout of the spring practice season. The day began with warmups and individual position periods before the squad broke off into larger groups for offensive and defensive sessions in various disciplines.
Two separate team periods, which included special team work, saw both the offensive and defense have moments of success, but the overall highlight was the energy displayed throughout on both sides.
The Lumberjacks return to the practice field on Thursday, April 4 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Highlights
- The initial team session saw senior linebacker Tristen Vance pressure the quarterback(s) on a number of occasions.
- Sophomore Seth Long had a couple nice stops against the run.
- Senior running back Joe Logan got loose on a swing pass down the left sideline.
- Freshman linebacker Jason Pisano had a tough pass breakup that nearly resulted in an interception.
- Junior tight end Matthew Kempton displayed strong hands with a number of tough receptions over the middle.
- Senior wide receiver Stacy Chukwumezie got open down the middle for a 40-yard touchdown reception.
- Freshman quarterback Gino Campiotti connected with fellow freshman Jacob Mpungi for a 50-yard gain down the sideline and preceded that hookup with a scoring toss to sophomore wide receiver Riley Langston.
- Logan broke free for a score after hauling in a screen pass during the team period.
- Senior cornerback Marcel Myers exhibited some nice coverage skills on numerous plays during the team and passing sessions.
- The defense was stout against the inside running game towards the back end of the final team period with big hits by senior safety Jalen Cook and solid gang tackling throughout.
- Marcus Carrasco and Seth Long combined for a sack.
Quotable
Assistant Head Coach Robin Pflugrad
"It is tough to stay healthy sometimes and when you don't that depth chart changes a lot. Unfortunately we have had a few injuries to some key players and that has been disappointing as far as our advancement. The blessing of that is that the young guys get an opportunity to play. Maybe some guys that have been second or third team throughout their career here and now they have to step up to the plate, take charge and really know what they are doing."
"I love tempo. I have been involved in it for quite a few years. I think it has been a great advantage. We have put a lot in on the offensive side in just four practices. With tempo, you have to rely off coaching off the videos in meetings, so we have to be the best teachers on campus."
"I like our group of tight ends. They need to improve every aspect of their play. Their physicality, their pass catching and run blocking. We are spending a lot of time working. A lot of little things have to be improved before we are comfortable putting one or two of those guys in and allowing them to play a lion's share of the game."
Up Next
The Lumberjacks return to the practice field on Thursday, April 4 (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.) for the fifth of 15 spring practice sessions.
All practices are scheduled to be held on the Skydome outdoor practice fields and are open to the public.
