APSU Sports: Austin Peay Football
Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University’s football team will put on full pads for the first time, 3:30pm, Tuesday, in Governors Stadium.
After two non-padded practices last week and Monday’s shoulder-pads-only workout, the Governors finally will get to show their wares to new coach Kirby Cannon.
The Governors have impressed Cannon in short time he has been with them. Enthusiasm, something that can be lacking in the spring, has been evident each time the Govs have hit the field, whether it has been practice or conditioning.
“They have shown just a real willingness to work,” Cannon said. “We have done things differently than they have done in the past. Players can be slow to change sometimes. In front of me there has been no moaning, no groaning…whatever I want has been the rule of the day. The same for the coaches—‘coach you are going to show us how to do it.’ They have bought in.”
At least early on Cannon has been impressed by his offensive and defensive lines. The offensive line returns all from last season’s two deep other than starting center Jacob Langston. Defensively, the Governors return all from last seasons’ rotation except for tackle Anthony Marion, who, like Langston exhausted his eligibility last fall.
“Our offensive and defensive lines are surprisingly athletic,” Cannon said. “I don’t think I came in here with any preconceived notions they wouldn’t be, but both appear to be potential strengths for us. Our offensive and defensive lines will be very good players in the OVC.
“Hopefully, we can get everyone else up to their level. That is the two areas that have shown to have some strength so far.”
The Governors are practicing four times this week, culminating with the team’s first scrimmage Friday.
