Quotes about 2-a-day practices

About how he prefers their single long sessions over the old 2-a-day practices, DM said:
"I think it's good to come out, work hard, concentrate, focus -- it makes guys, as they get tired, be able to pay attention to detail, and I think it's good that it keeps you into it. I think sometimes when you have two practices, you get into an afternoon practice, guys can sometimes try to pace themselves, try to get through it." (HSB)


About the old idea of 2-a-days preparing football players for the season, DM said:
"To me, that's old school. I mean, I know you've got to be mentally tough, you've got to be all those things. But I think you've also got to be smart about it. The way we practice. Full speed today, and tempo! With no pads on and guys blitzing full speed, stunting, running, getting to the hit point. You know, we practice different from other people." (HSB)

HSB Note: "He gestured to the practice field, after yesterday's UH practice. So many players still there, instead of leaving as soon as possible, looking for a place to collapse. Players with their families. Players staying out there to improve their technique. Players encouraging teammates who had to put in extra work. Players who wanted to be there. Guys who were excited about coming to work."


Asked how their camps now compare to stories of 2-a-day camps of the past, DM said:
"Well, I think back to high school, we used to practice four times a day. It was ridiculous! Before I even knew there was a movie 'Junction Boys' you know, I can remember '77 -- guys are bailing, running out. We went to camp with 60-some guys my senior year. I think it was down to 29 when we came home. We went away to camp.

I know when I went away to college we had a brand-new head coach as a freshman, they hadn't had a winning record in 16 years, and it was just unmerciful. It was a test of will. It was a testament! We actually had shirts made up, 'Survivor '78.' " (HSB)