BOONE, N.C. — Shawn Clark, the 6-foot-5 head coach at App State, approached veteran receiver
Thomas Hennigan and lined up to play press-coverage defense during Wednesday's practice.
As spring workouts for the month of March wrapped up, with practice resuming next month, there have been repeated opportunities to improve skills and depth while developing chemistry and experimenting with personnel — Clark's light-hearted cameo at cornerback notwithstanding.
Below is a recap of the day, including thoughts from Clark and a few highlights from both sides of the ball.
App State's 2021 season opens Thursday, Sept. 2 with a neutral-site game against East Carolina at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. The 2021 home opener is Sept. 18 vs. Elon.
The season ticket renewal and parking request deadline is April 30. Season ticket holders who haven't renewed as of yet need to refer to their activation email from Paciolan to activate their account (you retained your same account number). At that point, you can renew your season tickets online.
THOUGHTS FROM COACH CLARK
"I think we've had seven really good days of practice. The defense is ahead of the offense right now, which they should be with 10 returning starters on defense. The offense is starting to catch up."
OFFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Among the notable plays Wednesday was
Corey Sutton extending to make a catch over the middle on a throw from
Chase Brice, who later hit
Milan Tucker in stride on a deep slant.
Navy Shuler had some nice connections with
Christan Horn and
Dashaun Davis, while
Gabe Montgomery broke loose for one long run to get the offensive side excited.
"
Chase Brice has really taken his game to another level the last few days," Clark said. "The running backs are running hard, and we're getting some weapons outside.
Corey Sutton, he's back in full swing, and
Jalen Virgil has looked outstanding, and we know what Malik (Williams) and Thomas can do."
DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Nick Hampton repeatedly used his pass-rushing skills to apply pressure to App State's quarterbacks, and the Mountaineers' depth in the secondary has been on display with highlight-reel interceptions and breakups from 2020 freshmen such as
Mike Smith and
Tommy Wright.
Often, the work up front contributes to productive plays on the back end.
"The defense is really flying around," Clark said. "You look at
Jordon Earle and
Caleb Spurlin and
Demetrius Taylor, those guys are really anchoring that front."
