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Football Govs in full pre-game preparation mode

APSU Sports: Men’s Football

Austin Peay State University GovernorsClarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University’s football team is now in full pre-game mode as it prepares to open the 2011 season.

After the Governors final scrimmage, last Saturday, the Governors have shifted their focus to preparing for Cincinnati, APSU’s opponent for the 6:00pm, Saturday, September 3rd, season opener in Nippert Stadium.

“We have started to implement our (game) plans,” APSU coach Rick Christophel said. “We are going to see what we can and can’t do against them. They are well-coached and Coach (Butch) Jones went through a transition period last year. One thing for sure—they are a good football team.

APSU Men's Football (Austin Peay Sports Information)
APSU Men's Football (Austin Peay Sports Information)

“The one thing you really notice about them—their kids play super, super hard. You have to go up there and play with them. If you don’t you are going to get banged up.”

Christophel is confident the Governors will be much more ready to handle playing this Football Bowl Subdivision foe than last year when they went to Wisconsin.

“I believe we are growing and maturing,” he said.  “I think we have matured since the first day of camp. The one thing really noticeable is we have gotten better with our practice habits. The game is supposed to be fun, but if you don’t go out and practice hard, work hard and stay focused, the game is not fun.

“I believe we are starting to understand that.”

Recent changes over the years have limited contact work and the Govs are now learning how to practice more purposely in those situations.

“You can’t go in all pads all the time, so we have to go in shorts,” Christophel said. “At the same time, you have to go hard. We have learned to tempo ourselves and temper back the physicality of what you are doing. We are learning that and I think it is important of staying healthy during the season.”

Christophel repeatedly has talked about his team’s increased depth after breaking in so many new faces, almost frighteningly so, during the 2010 season. He is hoping the multiple speed bumps and potholes of playing so many freshmen in a 2-9 campaign a year ago will be replaced with a smoother path in 2011.

“Our depth is still young,” Christophel said. “But they have experience and know what to do. There is an old coaching saying, ‘the next person has to step up and make the play.’ I couldn’t say that last year, but I think this year we can.”

The Governors will practice through the weekend before taking part in Fan Day, 3:00pm, Sunday, in Dave Aaron Arena. 

Injury Update

With the conclusion of preseason practice, Austin Peay will enter the season with three players who will miss the 2011 season for medical reasons.

Freshman wide receiver Tremond Robinson tore his right achilles tendon early in camp and has undergone surgery.  “Tremond is a guy who was going to provide us some depth at our inside receiver position,” Christophel said. “That is one of the toughest injuries to overcome, hopefully, he can bounce back from it.”

Sophomore running back Dontavious Brown suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The No. 3 running back on the depth chart, he will undergo surgery in the upcoming weeks. “Dontavious was really having a good camp,” Christophel said. “He really worked hard in the offseason—he was more physical. He really had improved from the spring—he was really doing a good job of making that one cut and getting up field. “

In addition, redshirt freshman defensive end Jeremy Maze will sit out the 2011 season for “personal medical issues,” Christophel said. “He is fine young man. He really worked hard in the offseason. Hopefully, we can get him back out there next year.”

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