Tech practice in helmets and shorts on day 2

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech worked out in helmets and shorts for approximately 90 minutes as the Bulldogs hit the practice fields for the second day of fall camp.

Both the offense and defense had their moments in the sun but it seemed the sun won out overall as the team lost some pep in their step with temperatures easily surpassing 100 degrees.

"It was a hot day today," said head coach Sonny Dykes. "I thought we got out here and melted a little bit. We didn't quite have the same kind of bounce that we had yesterday - and usually that is the case on the second day - but I thought we did a lot of good things on both sides of the ball."

Both the offense and defense traded blows in a competitive practice that showed consistent play on both sides of the ball.

"The thing I like so far is that the offense and defense are trading blows right now," said Dykes. "Both of them are making some plays and both are doing some good things. When one side of the ball dominates too much in camp you start to get a little worried. Right now both of them at times are pretty good. Overall, I thought it was a pretty good day."

Offensively, both redshirt junior Colby Cameron and true freshman Nick Isham have impressed the coaches from the shotgun.

"I think Colby has been really sharp at this point," Dykes commented. "He is a different guy than he was in the spring and certainly different than he was a year ago. He is anticipating things, recognizing things and getting the ball out of his hand more quickly. Nick [Isham] has been a real pleasant surprise. I think we had high expectations for him though. His mid-range accuracy is just so good. He is doing a good job of getting the ball out on time and he has a good pocket presence. He is a little bit ahead of the curve for a true freshman. It is exciting to watch him work; he is making some mistakes but we certainly expect him to do that."

Defensively, the secondary continued to stand out as Justin Goodman recorded his third interception in two days of fall camp.

"I thought they made some plays today," Dykes said. "With no pads on, there are a couple of seam throws that the receivers are going to take a pretty good pop and our guys aren't hitting them right now. We are making more plays than we did a year ago. I think our range is better, especially at the safety position. I like our corner play right now. Guys are making a lot of plays; Justin Goodman had another interception today. They are doing a good job of making plays when they have opportunities right now."

Louisiana Tech will practice one last time in helmets and shorts on Wednesday before putting on shoulder pads Thursday. Per NCAA regulations, teams must practice once a day for three days before being allowed to put on shoulder pads.