Saturday Night Practice

Quarterback Cameron Sexton showcased his arm strength in the early stages of Saturday's practice.

As the sun began to fade into the distance behind the endless sum of trees on Catawba’s practice field, an equal amount of jumping jacks and war cries geared up Saturday night’s practice.

Wide receivers Travis Landrum and Brandon Bunn started off the evening with circus catches before the first period session, while the Indian’s returning tight ends met with new tight ends coach and 12 year NFL veteran Gerald Williams.

All ten defensive linemen were in action on Saturday, showing true freshmen DE Damien Lee and DT Tobias Brown the ropes of defensive line coach Khanis Hubbard’s drills. Rookie defensive end James Hunt showed a lot of tenacity in his first of many weekend practices.

Lindy’s Magazine recently named senior defensive tackle Melquan Fair as a second team preseason All-American in its latest summer college football edition. The 6’1 260 pound senior was the first in-line for each drill session, demonstrating virtually perfect technique on each station.

Senior linebackers Leon Ager and Julian Samolu have been vocal leaders thus far in camp, leading by example to the underclassmen. Freshman linebackers Cory Johnson and Dennis McFatten looked the part early on.

Center Zane Gibson delivered good snaps to QBs Cameron Sexton and Pat Dennis during the late pass skeletons. True freshman OL Ethan Winn was sensational in his second full day of camp, a bright future is ahead of Catawba’s newest Gretna High School star.

Sexton gave deceiving head fakes on play-action passes, while Dennis loves to roll after a fake hand off to find his targets down field.

Head coach Chip Hester playfully shouted to his scores of freshmen on the sideline. “Puppy dogs, puppy chow,” laughed Hester during the passing drill. “You guys are a little wet behind the ears!”

As the pass skeleton waged on, it was junior wide out Brian Terwilliger making his name known. All over again.

Terwilliger was a highly regarded QB at New Hanover and was used consistently last season as a change of pace QB in rushing situations.

This off-season however, according to offensive coordinator Matt Barrett, Terwilliger has found a niche at receiver through hard work in the weight room this summer.

Senior Antonio Hall could pull double duty this season, at least according to the stat sheet. Catawba’s talented running back is just as dangerous catching the ball as he is taking hand-offs.

Hall will have some help in 2009 with Western Carolina transfers Josh Wright and Levon Curtis. Both running backs were in full force on Saturday night, and each carries their own personality to the offense.

Redshirt-freshman running back Bobby Morrison was in street clothes, still rehabbing from a spring injury that has sidelined the former Shrine Bowl MVP for several months. He was in high spirits however, giving pointers to Levon Curtis and true freshman Rashaun Gaither, a 2,000 yard rusher and all-state running back at Starmount High School.

Blocking for the new faces at running back will come from a good nucleus at fullback. Junior Adawi Revels will be pushed by redshirt freshman Trevor Vermette and rookie Aaron Rainey for the starting job.

True freshman safety LJ McCray could have been mistaken for a speed demon on special team drills, who visited Appalachian State a week prior to inking with Catawba in February.