Las Vegas Locomotives Training Camp Notes - Friday, August 26
August 26, 2011 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Las Vegas Locomotives News Release
The Las Vegas Locomotives opened their 2011 training camp on Friday, Aug. 26 in the midst of a record heat wave gripping Las Vegas. Although temperatures on the field soared above 105 degrees during the early morning practice, Coach Jim Fassel and his two-time defending United Football League (UFL) championship squad were full of energy and excitement as the new season officially got underway.
"It's amazing to get out here on the field," said Fassel, who also serves as team president and general manager. "We didn't get into coaching to sit around in a room and strategize. We love to get out here and teach. It's fun. It's exciting."
Fassel and his staff were teaching from warm-ups to cool-downs as the team started training camp wearing only helmets and cleats. The real hitting will come when the pads are worn tomorrow, but that didn't damper the players' spirits as they took the field with several loud shouts and enthusiastic cheers.
"A lot of the teaching will happen when we get into full speed contact tomorrow," said Fassel. "I just think it's great when the guys can get out here and start to have fun as a team. That's when their personalities show and the leaders show."
Fassel stressed an up-tempo approach to the offensive game from the outset of practice. Players were flying around in individual and group drills under the instruction of their position coaches. The Locos' deep receiving corps looked very impressive on day one as starting quarterback Chase Clement threw pass after pass on the money during individual, group and team drills. New quarterback Zac Lee had several impressive throws in a 7-on-7 passing drill, especially a touchdown hookup with wide receiver Salim Hakim.
"It's always good to do what we love to do. Play football," said Clement. "The tempo was up today. We just have to keep cleaning up the little things and get better as a team."
Wide receiver Andrae Thurman showed why he is third all-time among UFL receivers in yardage, as he consistently got himself open during the team's 11-on-11 drills. It wasn't all fun for the receivers and quarterbacks, though, as cornerback Wale Dada enjoyed a solid opening day with two interceptions during group and team drills.
Running backs coach Amp Lee set the tone early with his solid group of players, including J.J. Arrington, Hakim Hill and Marcel Shipp. Hill had several great off-tackle bursts during group and team drills, and the Locos will look for him to break off some electrifying runs once the season starts. Those runs came behind an offensive line, led by vocal leader Tim Duckworth, that showed great power and athleticism as they were tested by a Locos defensive front seven, led by linebacker Teddy Lehman, early and often on opening day.
The Locos return to the field for their first practice in full pads on Saturday at 8 a.m.
United Football League Stories from August 26, 2011
- Las Vegas Locomotives Training Camp Notes - Friday, August 26 - Las Vegas Locomotives
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