BOONE, N.C. — App State's offense made plenty of big plays during Thursday's practice — some witnesses are still chuckling over the one-handed touchdown grabs from
Dalton Stroman — but the defense certainly ended the day with a few statement stops.
After the defense kept one offensive group out of the end zone from inside the 5, defensive tackle
Montez Kelley ended the next red-zone series — and Fall Camp Practice No. 12 as a whole — with an interception close to the line of scrimmage. The App State newcomer ran roughly 80 yards toward the other end zone, picking up plenty of celebrating followers who had departed the defensive sideline.
That capped a mid-August day with plenty of emotion and intensity, as the offense and defense have been squaring off for nearly two weeks now.
Stroman and cornerback
Tyrek Funderburk produced the most highlight-reel plays Thursday, two days before Scrimmage No. 2 of Fall Camp. The regular season begins Sept. 2 with a home opener against Gardner-Webb.
Stroman used one hand to catch a red-zone touchdown while his other arm was pressed against a defensive back who was applying tight coverage. Later in the practice, Stroman caught a long touchdown pass in which he secured the ball with his left arm while stiff-arming a defender to the ground with his right arm, giving him a free path to paydirt.
Funderburk produced a high-level interception earlier in the workout and delivered several big hits in run support. The defense has been a hard-hitting, takeaway-seeking group, with safety
Jordan Favors being responsible for a lot of those moments, and defensive end
Shawn Collins has applied noteworthy pressure on a daily basis.
Nate Noel again showed he can be a threat as a runner or receiver thanks to a long gain in the passing game, and receiver
Kaedin Robinson's strong camp continued as he has routinely been making contested catches or gaining tough yards to move the chains. In the slot,
Dashaun Davis reeled in a long touchdown and remains an explosive option.
