Pads Poppin – Ohio State Buckeyes
8/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
The football team suited up in full gear Saturday and held its first practice with live contact. The Buckeyes practiced all week in helmets and shells (helmets and shoulder), leading up to full contact Saturday.
Jim Heacock, Ohio State defensive coordinator, expressed that the team had been looking forward to this day in camp.
“We’ll go after it pretty good today,” Heacock said. “All summer everyone’s itching to put the pads on and hit someone. Today will be the first true test for our guys.”
Former Ohio State head coaches Earle Bruce (1979-87) and John Cooper (1988-2000) were on hand to watch practice. Former Buckeye quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit also attended practice Saturday.
Heacock met with media before practice and also had these additional comments.
On avoiding injuries during more physical practices
“You just hold your breath and hope everyone stays healthy. We have a physical schedule this season so we don’t want to have a bunch of injuries before we even play a game.”
On the versatility of the 2007 defensive line
“All these guys are big, rangy types who can fill almost any spot on the line. We’ve had a bit of history when it comes to shuffling players around up there. It really helps to have versatile guys when injuries strike.”
On his message to the defense
“We stay on the same message for our defense every year and that message has always stressed the team mentality. We want to be a competitive bunch and we want to emphasize improvement.”
