Aug. 11, 2008
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego State football team held a pair of practices on Monday, marking the first of three days with multiple practices this week. The Aztecs worked out at 8 a.m. and shortly after 4 p.m. today at the SDSU practice fields.
"We had a little bit of sloppiness this afternoon as they are not quite use to the multiple practices yet," head coach Chuck Long said. "I thought our defense was much more consistent than our offense, although we had a good offensive practice in the morning. I thought overall, for the first two-a-day practice, it went pretty well."
Long indicated that the linebacker core continues to play well
"(Linebackers) Luke Laolagi and Jerry Milling are looking really good," Long said. "Peter Nelson and Mike Matamua are really battling at left tackle. They are both getting better because of that."
Long, who praised the practice performance of the Aztecs the past two days, indicated that held up after watching film.
"It felt good and it looked good on tape," Long said. "There is some good competition right now in a lot of spots and that is what we were looking for."
San Diego State is scheduled to hold 12 consecutive days of practice, culminating in Family Day on Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium. Sunday will mark the Aztecs its first day off since camp opened on Aug. 5.
"This is separation week for us," Long said. "This separates the men from the boys. We are looking to see who can push through this week and be strong. This is more of a mental test."
Willie Buchanon, who played two seasons at San Diego State and earned first-team All-America honors in 1971, was at practice and spoke to the team following the afternoon session. Buchanon is a charter member of the Aztec Hall of Fame and is also a member of the Packers Hall of Fame.
"He had a great message and talked to the team about having fun," Long said. "He also told them about how he studied the game, was prepared and worked hard."
Check out 2008 fall football central on the official website of SDSU Athletics, www.goaztecs.com, for updates throughout camp.