FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 4, 2019) – The NAU football team is a third of the way through the spring practice season following the completion of the fifth workout on Thursday afternoon at the Skydome practice fields.
The Lumberjacks worked on the details early in the session with specialized work within each positional group. As has been the case all spring, the tempo was quick and the pace was fast throughout as the coaching staff ensured that the maximum reps were being completed during each period of work.
The team periods featured goal line and special team scenarios in addition to sequences that focused on the inside running and short passing game.
The Lumberjacks will practice on the turf inside the Skydome for the first time this spring on Saturday, April 6 beginning at 10 a.m. MST.
Highlights
- The defense did a nice job sealing the edge on a number of plays during the early team period that focused on the running game.
- Junior safety Jamarri Jackson, senior defensive tackle Chris Jules and senior linebacker Tristen Vance all made nice stops for the defense during the initial team session.
- The offensive line opened a huge hole off the left side that senior Joe Logan exploited for a 35-yard scoring jaunt.
- Freshman running back Jacob Mpungi busted free for a 70-yard score after hauling in a swing pass down the right sideline.
- Sophomore Nate Perkins had tight, physical coverage on a number of short pass attempts for the defense.
- Sophomore Jayden Wooden, senior Chris Jules and junior Elijah Orr all recorded interceptions during the final team sessions.
- Senior Tommie Dorsey hauled in a pass from freshman Gino Campiotti for a big gain over the middle.
Quotable
Offensive Coordinator Aaron Pflugrad
"We want to be explosive. That is what we hang our hat on. Creating explosive plays and taking care of the football. We are really excited to get a ton of guys reps here this spring. Get a few new faces into the fall and get them up to speed so they can hit the ground running and find ways to get the ball into our playmakers hands."
"Tempo is a weapon for us. We take pride in being the top conditioned team in the country and taking advantage of the altitude. Our cross country team won three straight (NCAA National Titles) for a reason and we have start using that as a weapon for out football program. If you train that way, you can as fast as you want and then you can always slow it down when you need to."
Up Next
The Lumberjacks return to practice on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. MST. NAU will practice inside the Skydome for the first time this spring.
All practices are open to the public and free admission.
