Day III - Jan. 4, 2001, ORLANDO
With just one practice Thursday at Birmingham Thunderbolts
training camp, it almost goes without saying that the two-hour
workout in full pads could get a little spirited. It goes
without saying, unless you are defensive back Fred White.
The intensity level began to rise as team period began and
intensified when the final 10 minutes were devoted to work
on the goal line. The drill is designed to be full speed without
ball carriers being taken to the ground. Design and execution
dont always meet.
"This is football, not Barbies Playhouse," White
shouted to his offensive teammates. "I'm fixin' to bench
press somebody. This is a demolition derby. This is football."
Bolts head coach Gerry DiNardo liked the intensity level and
spirit of his team during Thursday's practice, but is patiently
seeking a higher level of play. "The tempo was good,
the execution not as good," DiNardo said following the
third practice of training camp. "It's early in camp
though. The execution will come."
Birmingham team officials kept a watchful eye when about a
dozen Orlando Police cars and motorcycles converged on the
McCracken Field parking lot as practice began. It turns out
the parking lot between McCracken and Tinker Fields serves
as a regular training ground for Orlando's finest. Thursday's
drill was traffic stops. Bolts officials were grateful the
only run for it anybody made was toward the endzone.
Tight end Nicky Savoie missed much of Thursday's practice
after straining his left calf muscle. His status is day to
day.
Linebacker Jimmy Sprotte had to leave camp Thursday to fly
to Arizona to be with his father who suffered a heart attack.
Tight end Scott Thompson reported to camp Wednesday evening
and practiced for the first time Thursday. Thompson had travel
delays making connections from Fresno, Calif. to Orlando.
Former Auburn defensive back Calvin Jackson still has not
reported to camp while taking care of family business in Ft.
Lauderdale, Fla.
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