West Point - While there were no big hits or thrilling runs, the Black Knights took an important step in their preseason preparations on Saturday at Michie Stadium. Army held its final Saturday practice of the preseason, working through game-like scenarios that included coaches in the booth and officials on the field.
After a coin toss, the kickoff return unit took some repetitions before the offense came on the field. Army’s first unit ran a scripted series against the scout team defense before the punt team took the field for its dress rehearsal. The defense came on for a series of its own, setting the stage for the punt return unit.
The Black Knights also rehearsed sudden changes with turnovers lost and gained, worked on field goals and installed their onside kick and "hands" squads.
Army ran everything at "thud" pace. The plays were run at full-speed, but there was no tackling.
"It was combination of a little bit of scrimmage and a lot of mock game," head coach Rich Ellerson said. "We tried to do things in the sequence they will happen in the game. We experienced some things for the first time that will happen on a game day, and we did some installation in the kicking game. We got an awful lot done without putting guys in a lot of physical jeopardy.
"It’s the first week of classes, and they’ve had a demanding week of practice. We’ve really made some gains. We’re trying to set ourselves up for another great week leading into game week. We necessarily watched the number of physical reps for the veteran guys and let the younger guys scrimmage. We experienced some things in the kicking game and some things on the sideline from a communications standpoint that we haven’t done yet. We got a lot of stuff done even though you don’t like the tempo. We’re used to such a high tempo in our practice environment it’s awkward for all of us to have so many people standing around watching a handful of guys work, but again, we were trying to experience some things that we don’t want to be a stranger to on Saturdays."
The defense in particular had a different look with starters such as Stephen Anderson, Josh McNary, Donovan Travis and Steven Erzinger held out of the defensive portion of the workout.
On the offensive side, sophomore QB Trent Steelman watched the workout from the sideline. Steelman has not practiced since Wednesday because of a minor knee issue. The incumbent starter’s absence was an opportunity for junior Max Jenkins to take the reins of the first-team offense.
"We have a guy in Max who really knows his way around the offense," Ellerson said. "His claim to fame is that he really doesn’t need a lot of practice. He is able to internalize things especially well. He took advantage of the fact that Trent has a minor injury going on. This far before the opening game we were able to rest that and give Max a chance to validate in our minds, his mind and in his teammates mind how effective and efficient he can be with the offense."
Senior QB Chip Bowden also took snaps on Saturday after being held out of last weekend’s scrimmage.
"Every day you have to come out and work, and as a backup you have to prepare like you’re one play away from having to be in there running the offense," Jenkins said after the workout. "With Trent resting up this week, I was able to take advantage and get some reps with the ones. I just need to keep working hard. Chip has been doing really well, and I think we’re pretty deep at the quarterback position."
One other position that built its depth this week was on the offensive line. Senior OT Jason Johnson has been hampered by leg injuries since the start of camp, but participated in today’s practice without any sort of limitation.
"I’ve been rehabbing hard and trying to get ready for the season," Johnson said. "The work paid off today. I can’t wait to get out there against Eastern Michigan. It’s going to be a great day."
Army opens its 121st season of intercollegiate competition on Saturday, Sept. 4th when the Black Knights visit Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. Army begins its home slate the following week, hosting Hawai’i on Sept. 11th.
