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Louisiana Tech DBs, RBs devote focus to details

by Minden Press-Herald

RUSTON –— Daily progression and attention to detail on and off the playing field has been a big theme for the Louisiana Tech running backs and defensive secondary in their two weeks of fall camp.   

In the secondary, one thing that has stood out so far has been the high energy level and competition on the practice field.

“Our guys have been flying around and having fun and a lot of energy,” Tech cornerbacks coach Marcus Walker said. “One thing about our guys and this team is that they love to practice and compete against each other. There has been a lot of back and forth each day at every position on both sides of the ball. Guys are having fun.”

At cornerback, the Bulldogs return a multi-year starter and preseason All-Conference USA selection in Cedric Woods.

“Off the top, Cedric brings a lot of experience,” Walker said. “He is one of those kids who has come in and started from the beginning. He has a ton of experience and has been in many different situations. He is a quiet kid but has numerous leadership skills and is a great person.”

Stephen F. Austin transfers Myles Brooks and Willie Roberts are expected to make an impact at corner for the Bulldogs this season. Both played under defensive coordinator Scott Power for multiple seasons while with the Lumberjacks. Brooks tied for the team lead with four interceptions last season and Roberts led the team with eight pass breakups while recording two interceptions.

“When it comes to newcomers, every day we have had a different person step up and impress,” Walker reflected. “It has been fun to watch those guys move around and compete.”

Safeties Coach Paul Turner has been pleased with his group’s efforts so far and has clarified the importance of fundamentals and attention to detail in practice.

“So far, we have had a solid camp,” Turner said. “We continually try to piece together things for us on the back end. It is important to focus on the little details and communication. We have to clean up a lot of our alignments and some of our assignments and our technique. I have seen some really good things like us getting our hands on the ball here and there, but for us to be the defense that we want to be, we just have to continue to stack up good days and hone in the details.”

On the offensive side of the ball, LA Tech brings some experience back despite losing leading rusher Marcus Williams Jr. to graduation. Redshirt senior Greg Garner, junior Keyon Henry Brooks, sophomore Harlan Dixon and sophomore Marquis Crosby all return.

“I am excited about our running backs,” running backs coach Peter Hopkins said. “This room has progressed and has done the fundamental things to put themselves in a position to do really well. We are going to be fun to watch and you will see a physical and fun brand of football. You are going to see us having fun.”

Throughout fall camp Hopkins has drilled his running backs on the importance of being physical and showing toughness.

“We talk about putting the T back into Louisiana,” Hopkins added. “That T means take and make it right. We want to do things the right way and put that T back in Louisiana. The T stands for toughness, tenacity and togetherness.”

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