Coaching for camp
Panthers taking 23 to Troy University
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Linemen work on footwork and blocking during practice.

As the Panthers coaching staff spends much of spring practice installing a new offense, they do it not in anticipation of the fall schedule, but rather, summer camp.

In June the team will take 23 players, all voluntary participants, to a camp at Troy University in Alabama. The camp runs the same offense that the Panthers are implementing.

"We're trying to give them as much exposure for it [as possible], so that when we get there, they will know everything they need," Panthers Head Coach Todd Peugh explained.

"Offensively, so far we have gotten everything in that we wanted to get in. This week [we have been] speeding it up. The kids have picked up on it great."

According to the coach the system allows teams that lack elite size and athleticism to be more competitive.

Coach Peugh acknowledged the importance of such a scheme, one that spreads the field more, when talking about a Panthers team in which the running backs and receivers average around 5'10" and 150 lbs.

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam The Panthers practice in view of the Historic Courthouse.

"They can all run, so why not put them in space instead of trying to run them behind a 180 lb. lineman," Coach Peugh said.

However, making the change means that more than ever, proper conditioning is an important part of the program.

"Practices are fast-paced and high-tempo, because that's what we're trying to play at," Coach Peugh said, explaining that one part of practice is even labeled "NASCAR" thanks to its relentless pace.

Much of the excitement about the new offense began after the coaches returned from a 28 hour clinic held in Nashville.

"We came back and made a depth chart and just saw how our kids sort of fit with what we were trying to do," Coach Peugh said.

"If you look back at all the Union County teams that were actually pretty good, they had to throw the ball," he said. That type of multi dimensional offense helps keep the defense off balance.

The coach also said that he hopes the Panthers' new system will provide something of a detour for the defensive gameplans of their opponents, who will be facing a lot of "Wing-T" offenses.

Sentinel photos/Jared Putnam Players work on attacking the line off the snap.

"We are going to face six teams [running a Wing-T offense]," Coach Peugh said. "So if you are running something that is not Wing-T, they are only going to have three days to prepare for something different."

According to coach Peugh the system is also creative enough to help the Panthers by pulling in athletes from other sports who might not ordinarily be interested in football. In terms of freshmen faces, this year's freshmen class turned out a number of players at skill positions like quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. Coach Peugh says that this fall's freshman class looks to have more potential for line duties.

"I think we've got some bigger sized linemen out of that group," the coach said. "Say we graduate several linemen next year, that's going to be good for us, because the group ahead of them is [heavier on skill players.]"

A wide receiver makes the catch in a passing drill.