April 12, 2007

With winter workouts complete and spring practices about half over, the University of Dayton coaching staff is impressed with the Flyers' work ethic and intensity. "I couldn't be more pleased with our attendance, punctuality, and our effort this winter" said head coach Michael Kelly when asked about this years winter workouts.

Due to last year's disappointing 4-6 record, the first time UD did not have a winning season since 1976, the coaching staff decided to try things a little different this off-season and the players have responded.

Winter Workout

Changing up the winter workout is just one of the four things that are different for the Flyers this year. When asked about some of the changes, offensive coordinator David Whilding replied, "Mark Thobe, one of our strength and conditioning coaches, has been very instrumental in changing things up, by focusing on body fat and agility, rather than just strength."

Improved strength is vital in football, but the changes are designed to help the players put themselves in better position to utilize that strength. Changing the daily workout routine has many advantages for the players, including injury prevention, less boredom, and keeping players fresh. Staying healthy as well as motivated is just one step the Flyer coaching staff is taking to transform this team from a year ago.

Freshman Stepping Up

Possibly the biggest change for the Flyers this season will be the addition of some surprise returning freshman stepping up their game. Defensive backs Billy Knight and J.J. Vercammen are just two of the highly-touted 30-man freshman class making noise this spring.

Rick Chamberlin, the Flyer defensive coordinator, had this to say about the new faces. "They are all doing a really great job out there. It's nice to see returning freshman players with known athletic ability getting a chance to show things on the field. You can really see them developing confidence and awareness with things we are trying to run."

In addition to the rookies, the coaches also singled out four players in new roles from a year ago who are ramping up their game. Sophomore linebackers Drew Fumagalli and Sean Heenan are moving into new roles on the defense. Offensively, sophomore tackle Ryan Pollock (who only played in one game last year), and junior wideout Jack O'Dell (who sat out last season) are both having a strong spring.

With that said, mix in seven starters on both sides of the ball, such as starting quarterback Kevin Hoying and wideout/kick returner Nick Ruhe and this Flyer team should be competing again for the PFL championship in 2007.

Offense The Flyers will be running basically the same offense from years past, but with some new wrinkles and changes in the way they are practicing. Offensive coordinator David Whilding gave us his insight on some of the offensive changes, "This year I can feel a sense of urgency out there with the players and coaches. Without going into too much detail, we have tweaked our I-formation offense with different blocking schemes and route running."

As for changes in practices, the coaches have gone to a lot more 11 on 11 scrimmaging, thus creating a more intense and physical atmosphere during spring practice. This type of practice really helps keep the players motivated.

Spring Game A true spring game has been introduced to the Flyers schedule this season and generating a buzz throughout camp with the players. The Red & Blue Game on Saturday, April 21 will not be a controlled scrimmage as in previous seasons, but a true game that will kickoff at 3:00 p.m. EDT. It will be free and open to the public. The reward of playing an actual game in front of fans during the spring game, the potential for bragging rights has kept players fresh and motivated.

Coach Mike Kelly had this to say about the spring game, "All the players are fired up about it. The game its self is going to be fun for the players as well as coaches. I would say, it's a little carrot for everyone after a hard winter and spring. However, our main focus is the next practice because that's where we do all our teaching and coaching. We need to improve day by day and that's what spring practice is really all about."