As the final week of preseason camp for the Missouri State Bears got underway, Monday’s two practices seemed to cover the full range of emotions.
Head coach Terry Allen said after the afternoon session that his team needs to pick up the pace down the stretch.
“We had a good morning practice,” Allen said. “But overall, we are not at the tempo I would like to see. We have to stay on it and get better with that.”
A 20-period morning session in full pads at Plaster Field was followed by a later afternoon practice on grass, covering 21 periods in shorts.
The highlight of the afternoon practice was the first-team offense’s execution in the two-minute offense. First-team quarterback Cody Kirby was 4-for-5 for 40 yards, while Stephen Johnston carried twice for 13 yards. Johnston also had two receptions for 10 yards on the drive, and tight end Wes Miller had the rest of the receiving yards. A 26-yard field goal by Jordan Chiles capped the drive.
The first-team offense seemed to carry the momentum from Saturday’s impressive scrimmage performance into Monday afternoon. Wide receivers coach Mike Chandler said late Monday that the entire offense is working hard.
“It starts up front,” Chandler said. “The offensive line did a great job. Jermaine Saffold and Cadarrius Dotson made plays, and things really fell into place.”
Chandler said Dotson has taken his game to the next level for his sophomore year and set the bar high for freshmen like newcomer Julian Burton.
“Cadarrius is vastly improved over last year,” he said. “Especially with his run blocking, he has stepped up. Young guys like Julian Burton, who is going to be a special player, and Dan Reichert, who plays fast and hard, have someone to emulate.”
He said the depth at receiver has really made a difference this fall in helping players learn, develop and push each other. The second-year assistant noted that Saffold has worked harder than any receiver in the off-season. With him leading the way, the Bears have the ability to reload on every down.
“There are easily seven or eight guys who can play with the first team,” Chandler said. “You have guys like Willie White, Adrian Taylor and a big-play guy in Trevor Wooden on one side, and guys like Saffold, Justin Fuselier and Ian Starnes on the other side. Returners like Saffold, Dotson and Adrian Williams are always going to be in the mix. Depth is always a good thing, but we can’t sit back and relax, we have to continue to get better.”
A host of talent at the wideout positions should make for some entertaining Saturdays this fall, especially with fourth-year starting quarterback Cody Kirby walking with a little extra swagger this week.
The Bears will practice at 3:20 on Tuesday at Plaster Field in their 15th of 20 preseason camp workouts.
