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Streamer Notes - Two-a-Days Begin at JMU Football Camp
8/14/2016 2:00:00 PM | Football
1) Dukes Endure Two-a-Day on a Hot Saturday
Saturday marked the first two-a-day practice for the 2016 JMU football team. Head Coach Mike Houston referred to the morning practice as a "good practice," even though the Dukes endured temperatures in the low 90's throughout the full session. Temperatures remained in the upper 80's and low 90's throughout the afternoon, and the Dukes moved the second practice to Bridgeforth Stadium, where fans were able to observe the final 30 minutes prior to the start of Meet the Dukes Day.
"I thought we had a good practice this morning, it was obviously pretty hot, which was good," Houston said. "We also had officials there and we ran game-like situations, so I thought the kids responded well. We had a lighter practice this afternoon, really focused on our four core kicking units, so we're getting further along with the install on those. I'm looking forward to the start of week two."
2) Full Pads in Full Effect
JMU spent the first week transitioning closer and closer to practicing in full pads, and on Friday morning, it was full throttle at the JMU practice fields. Though the team still has some work to do with three weeks until kickoff, the team got after it and didn't necessarily let the extreme heatwave deter them from having a physical practice.
"It's always great when you get to put the full pads on," redshirt junior offensive lineman Aaron Stinnie said on Friday. "You get to do a little more hitting, see some tackles and some nice big hits and I think we got after it for the most part. There are still things we need to work on, but that's only natural with it being the fifth day. But it's comfortable, it feels real.
Watch the entire Facebook Live interview with Aaron from Friday by CLICKING HERE.
3) Slot Receivers Shining Through First Week of Camp
It's well known that JMU has arguably the deepest wide receiving corps in all of FCS, returning every letter winner at that position from the 2015 team. Two players we're highlighting today are the program's top-two slot receivers, senior Rashard Davis and junior John Miller. Watching them at practice, the route running and speed has made it tough to guard either one of them, as the duo has created numerous big passing plays during both individual and team sessions.
"They're both low maintenance, they're self motivators," Houston said. "I don't have to worry about them being ready to go any day. They come out here and are very, very consistent. Having guys who not only have that ability but possess that consistency is reassuring to me."
"We try to treat each practice like it's our last," Davis said. "We worked throughout the summer on our footwork and getting our hands right. Muscle memory is the key thing, because as we go out during the summer through camp, it's easier. Things we do behind the scenes that people don't see is what makes us better players."
Watch the entire Facebook Live interview with Rashard from Saturday by CLICKING HERE.
4) JMU Nation Converges on Bridgeforth for Meet the Dukes
Following JMU's second practice Saturday, hundreds of fans filled Zane Showker Field at Bridgeforth Stadium for the annual Meet the Dukes Day event. Fans were able to engage with not just the football players but also student-athletes from men's soccer, women's soccer, field hockey and volleyball. Posters were distributed, making for a lot of autograph signing for the Dukes. This event has always been well received by the community and Coach Houston touched on the importance of it.
CLICK HERE to watch Cardon and Raven attempt to play soccer.
"The big thing I told them is that to my two little boys, their favorite college football players in the world right now are Gage Steele and Brandon Ravenel," Houston said. "To all these kids who come out here, they're just like my two. This is their Cam Newton. I told them just to enjoy it, have fun and throw the football with the kids and enjoy the fact these people cared enough to spend a Saturday evening with us."
View the full photo gallery from Meet the Dukes Day by CLICKING HERE.
5) Siegel Selfie Time!
If you haven't heard of it yet, you're about to find out. Redshirt senior linebacker/long snapper Brett Siegel began a small social media movement known as the "Siegel Selfie" during spring practice. Well, it was in full force Saturday night, and he even managed to take a selfie with Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne during Meet the Dukes.
It's #SiegelSelfie time at Meet the Dukes Day! #NewBreed pic.twitter.com/PfNZbACiAO
— JMU Football (@JMUFootball) August 13, 2016
6) Final Thoughts from Gage Steele
We caught up with redshirt senior linebacker Gage Steele during Meet the Dukes Day.
"It was a great turnout," Steele said. "To see all these people come out here asking questions and being interested on what goes on behind the scenes is great. It's awesome to interact with everybody. They're here to support us while we do something we love. We love speaking and meeting to our great fans."
After seeing this photo, he wrote on social media Sunday morning: "One of the many things I love about this game. This is what it's all about."
Stay connected with JMU football all camp long through social media @JMUFootball on Twitter, JMU Football on Facebook and JMUSports on SnapChat. We'll also provide numerous "Streamer Notes" each week on the happenings at preseason practice.
Previous Streamer Notes
First Day of Practice (Aug. 8)
First Day in Pads (Aug. 10)
Players Mentioned
RB
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WR
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WR
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WR
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CB
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LB/LS
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LB
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OL
/ FootballSaturday, April 25
Thursday, April 23
Thursday, April 23
Tuesday, April 21
