MHS Spring Football Report: Week One

contributed by: joearriolajr

By Joe Arriola
Sports Reporter -- TOWNSQUAREBUZZ.com

Last spring, newly hired head coach Jeff Smith was still getting to know his players, his coaches, and his school. Now, after a full season with the Lions, Smith said the foundation has been laid for his program and this spring - it's all about getting better and getting ready for August.

"It's exciting because I have relationships with all the kids now," said Smith, who led McKinney High to a 4-6 record in 2010. "They know the expectations and the goals of where we want to go. Last year it was an exciting time but we were feeling our way through it and trying to get to know guys' names. This year, that foundation has been laid so we're just trying to build on it."

When it comes to the first day of spring football practice, Smith said the one key thing he looks for in his players is high energy. Judging from the amount of hard hits and big blocks in the team session of practice - it's safe to say the Lions had plenty of energy on day one.

"Everybody's excited to put the pads on," Smith said.

Smith explained that day one is also an important day to teach the freshmen players how to practice at the speed of the varsity team. For some soon-to-be sophomores, the fast-paced style of varsity practice can be overwhelming so it's key to bring them up to speed on the first day and first week of spring practice.

"The young guys don't understand the tempo or the structure," Smith said. "So we're teaching them the practice that we want at the level that we want."

One of the biggest questions surrounding this year's Lions football team is who will step up at the running back position. Running backs coach Derrick Conley said that since he joined the program in 2006, he's been blessed with a number of top rushers including Eddie Morgan, Brett Heldt, Damion Willis, and TJ Tarver. With the Lions graduating all three of their running backs from last season, it's up to such players as Marquez Husband, Matt Reynolds, and even cornerback Jonathan Shannon to contribute in the backfield.

"We've got some big shoes to fill at running back," Smith said. "We're excited about Marquez and lot of the other guys and what they're going to bring."

Now that the Lions have their first spring football practice in the books, Smith said he will be looking for faster, more efficient practices as the week rolls on.

"We want to have an understanding of where to go and what to do so we can get more reps," Smith said. "You can teach kids a long time in shorts and a shirt but when you put the pads on and start lining up sometimes you need to slow down because they've got to play it differently. I think the kids will have a great practice and understand a little bit more about what we want."