BOONE, N.C. — The inside linebacker made a correct read and was rewarded with a backfield stop, prompting App State defensive coordinator
Dale Jones to exclaim, "There you go!"
"Good call, Coach!" the defender shouted back.
Practice No. 10 of preseason camp included a strong showing on the defensive side — plus a heavy downpour that made passing the ball more difficult. Unlike times earlier this month when nearby lightning forced practice to move inside, the Mountaineers were able to remain in Kidd Brewer Stadium to deal with the wet and slippery conditions.
"I think our defense really came out and tackled really well — a lot better than Saturday," said head coach
Shawn Clark, who celebrated his 47th birthday Tuesday, three days after the first scrimmage of camp. "Our defense is flying around, and we had some elements today. The weather was here — a little rain came through, heavy rain at times — but that was good for us. We needed to practice in the rain because who knows what kind of weather we'll have in Boone this fall."
Early in practice,
Chase Brice connected with tight end
Henry Pearson for a big gain, but the defense made completing passes and finding running lanes a challenge.
Dexter Lawson Jr. delivered an early interception in 11-on-11 work, while unofficial sacks came from the likes of
Jalen McLeod,
KeSean Brown and the combo of
Logan Doublin and
Kevin Abrams-Verwayne.
With one drive stalled and heavy rain falling,
Michael Hughes drilled a 42-yard field goal. Later in practice,
Jordan Favors blocked a field goal attempt by the Mountaineers.
Christan Horn showed off his speed with a long run after he caught a short pass from Brice, and the unexpected "good hands" honor for the day went to center
Troy Everett, who caught a pass that had been deflected by defensive lineman
DeAndre Dingle-Prince.
"I thought our linebackers played downhill at times, I thought our corners played good man coverage, and I thought our running backs ran hard," Clark said. "Overall, it was a great day of practice. We look forward to coming back tomorrow and getting some of these mistakes corrected."
