Tech running backs shine as full pads are donned
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RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech practiced for almost two-and-a-half hours Saturday evening as the Bulldogs donned full pads for the first time this fall.
The coaching staff had an extended team period built into the practice script for a closer look at game situations.
"Today's practice was good," said head coach Sonny Dykes. "I think it [the extended team period] was really pretty clean. Colby had a running back knocked into him and that is why he threw an interception on the first drive but that is only the second or third interception he has thrown all of fall camp. He has done a good job of taking care of the ball. It was a little bit slow [to start] but we picked it up. We mixed and matched and I bet we played 10 different line combinations, rotating guys in and out. We tried to rest some guys that needed some rest. Quinton Patton didn't play much."
The running backs were the highlight of the extended team period and their day was highlighted after practice as former Louisiana Tech and NFL running back Ryan Moats talked to the position group for almost 15 minutes.
While the veteran backs Ray Holley and Hunter Lee didn't get much action in the extended team period, the rookies Kenneth Dixon and Tevin King both took advantage of their time on the field.
"We knew Kenneth [Dixon] was a pretty physical runner but didn't know how that would translate because we haven't been tackling," said Dykes. "I thought he ran extremely hard, he was hard to tackle, he showed a little bit more elusiveness in the open field than he has up to this point and he caught the ball well. What he has to do and a lot of young running backs have to do is learn to pick up the blitz in pass protection. But he caught the ball well, ran routes well, has good ball security, ran tough and was productive."
Meanwhile Tevin King showed how dangerous he can be in the open field.
"Tevin was what we expected; hard to tackle in the open field, quick and he is going to be an exciting back. I think it is going to be a really good combination and obviously with Ray and Hunter I think it is going to be a really good group," said Dykes.
Louisiana Tech will get a day off from practice on Sunday but not from football as the team will host an Autograph and Meet-and-Greet session for fans on the West concourse of Joe Aillet Stadium beginning at 2:30 p.m. Coaches and student-athletes will be on hand to sign autographs and Aramark will be providing fans with free popcorn and drinks.