FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State football team held its first practice of its 2017 fall camp on Tuesday. The squad was in helmets and shorts on opening day as they work through the NCAA-required acclimatization period.
"It was an awesome day, great to be around the kids today,” said head coach Jeff Tedford. “Everyone came back in great shape, there was lots of energy and excitement so it was a good first day."
Sophomore Chason Virgil, who entered camp number one on the quarterback depth chart after impressing the staff in spring football held the same positive attitude as his head coach’s.
"There was a new energy that we had out here and it was definitely different than the spring ... coming into spring we did not know much and we hadn't run the offense,” said Virgil. “Coming out with it being the first day of fall, the offense looked really smooth and we'll get better every day as guys keep getting reps and everything will fall back into place."
The team was greeted by a typical summer day in Fresno to kick off camp, but the 'Dogs were ready for the elements. Fresno State worked today’s afternoon practice due to preseason meetings and introductions to support staff. Practice will move to the morning on Wednesday and for the remainder of the week.
"No problems with that whatsoever,” coach Tedford explained about the summer sun. “They have been working out all summer in it and as I anticipated they were ready with the strength and conditioning program and they showed up ready for camp. It was a very productive first day."
Tuesday's practice touched all the basics, fundamental type work and a focus on special teams. There was also, 7-on-7's and 1-on-1's. “There was a lot of carryover from spring practice, that was nice to see," Tedford added.
Practice Debuts
While newcomers Jorge Reyna (QB), Matt Boateng (DB), Quireo Woodley (OL), Gunner Javernick (TE) and Namani Parker (WR) got a head start in spring ball, 33 Bulldogs donned their red practice jerseys for the first time:
Brent Bailey (QB), Markus Boyer (OL), Brian Burt (WR), Richard Cage (DE), Chris Coleman (DB), Sherman Coleman, Jr. (DB), Alex Cruz (ILB), Damien DeGruy (DE), Patrick Elima-Jeune (WR), Wylan Free (DB), Asa Fuller (K), Chris Gaston (DB), Derrion Grim (WR), Romello Harris (RB), Johnny Johnson (DB), Kwami Jones (DB), Kyle Lindquist (QB), Maamaloa Mafi (SAM), Ronnie Manning (DB), Talalemotu Mauga (DT), Jordan Mims (RB), Daniel Moraga (TE), Arron Mosby (DB), Emeka Ndoh (DE), Zane Pope (WR), Cody Pound (OL), Michiah Quick (WR), Ronnie Rivers (RB), Chantz Russell (OL), Leevel Tatum III (DT), Syrus Tuitele (OL), Zelan Tupuola (OL) and Mykal Walker (ILB).
Notable Dates
Saturday, Aug. 19 will be “Fan Appreciation Day” and the only practice open to the public. The team will meet the Red Wave from 5-6 p.m. and fans are invited to stay for the team’s third and final scrimmage from 7-10 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.
Sunday, Aug. 6: First day in full pads
Tuesday, Aug 8: Scrimmage #1
Saturday, Aug. 12: Scrimmage #2
Saturday, Aug. 19: Scrimmage #3/Fan Appreciation Day-public practice
Tuesday, Aug. 22: Classes Start
Monday, Aug. 28: First Weekly Press Conference w/ Head Coach Jeff Tedford
Saturday, Sept. 2: Season opener vs. Incarnate Word
Bulldog football ticket options (559-278-3647)
• Season tickets can still be purchased for as low as $99.
• Four and three game mini-plans are on-sale. Both plans include the BYU game on November 4 and all other games are available for choosing.
• Single-game tickets for all games go on sale August 5 (online only) and by phone and web on August 7.
• 2017 Football Season Ticket Holders can request 2 additional complimentary tickets to the home opener on September 2. Tickets will be assigned in the bench seat areas of Bulldog Stadium. Exact seat location will be determined by the ticket office and no seating requests will be taken. The season ticket account and the BDF donation associated with the account must be paid in full at the time of mailing. Tickets will be mailed to the address that appears on the season ticket account. To take advantage, fans must make the request by August 3 at 5 p.m.
• The Bulldog ticket office can reached at 559-278-3647 or visit GoBulldogs.com. The office is located at 2650 E. Shaw Ave. (Fresno, CA 93740), on the Northeast corner of the Save Mart Center, marked by a red awning labeled "Bulldog Ticket Office." Office Hours are Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
