Norfolk State begins spring football practice: ‘We’re off to a good start.’

NORFOLK — Norfolk State started its spring practice bright and early Friday morning at Dick Price Stadium.

“After the season we had last year, it feels great to be back out here,” head coach Dawson Odums said. “I really think we return a lot of quality pieces of the puzzle. You know how the world is now, you go through spring ball and never stop recruiting. But I feel good about this group that’s going through spring ball and their offseason work ethic and their dedication to being better. We’re gonna see what these 15 practices look like this spring, but we’re off to a good start.”

Odums and the Spartans added 27 newcomers to the roster with the 2024 signing class, including 13 mid-year signees. After wrapping up winter workouts, Odums said he’s pleased with the makeup of the roster as spring ball starts.

“I think it’ll give us a chance to win,” Odums said. “We’re looking for some key positions to get better, but it gives us a chance to win. I think when you return as many D-linemen (as we did) — and we added to that — and as many O-linemen (as we did) — and we added to that — and we still got some more pieces that’s gonna join us in the summer. So I feel like we could be really, really good, especially if we come out of the spring healthy.”

Staff turnover

Several NSU assistants left during this offseason’s coaching carousel. Notably, the Spartans lost offensive coordinator Ray Pickering, cornerbacks coach Frank Wilson, offensive line coach Trumaine Watson and wide receivers coach Vincent Marshall.

At first glance on Friday, those positions all seemed to be filled, but Odums said he couldn’t share the names of the new coaches until paperwork for the hires is complete.

“Everybody should be in town ready to roll later on this weekend,” Odums said of his coaching staff….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/norfolk-state-begins-spring-football-182800970.html

Author : Virginian Pilot

Publish date : 2024-03-01 18:28:00

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