BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A day after welcoming 35 representatives from 28 NFL teams for the program's annual Pro Day, the WKU Hilltoppers closed out their second week of spring practice with a scrimmage under clear blue skies over Feix Field.
"It's been good – today was highly, highly competitive," Sanford said of the six practices so far. "I think some guys let off a little steam today which is good. I'm excited about [their desire to] compete. You love for your team to come out with the mindset every day wanting to compete, and I think today was our best day so far."
As in the case each spring, new leaders and playmakers must emerge after a senior class departs from the program. This spring is no different for WKU as they look to replace the production and leadership of players like Mike White, Deon Yelder, and Joel Iyiegbuniwe.
"(Freshman running back) Josh Samuel has been really impressive. It's great to have him back. He was a big part of our signing class when we first got here. Without question, Drell Green is one of our most talented, if not our most talented, athletes and is really now starting to become a veteran leader. Juwuan Jones was a redshirt last year, so it's always good when young guys who nobody in town knows about but we've had our eyes on starts to pop."
Of the race to replace White under center, it has been a three-man race for much of spring with senior Drew Eckels, sophomore Steven Duncan, and freshman Davis Shanley all competing this spring.
"It's been really good. We're going to be competitive with (that race). It's going to be like that for a while. You look at the quarterback competition every single day – and that's going to make us better – but there are days when you think you have it figured out and realize you just have to give guys reps. You have to continue to gives guys reps, let them work through it, and don't throw in the towel too soon and let them work through what they're working through."
The Hilltoppers are back on the practice field on Tuesday as they begin their third week of spring football leading up to April 21 for the Red vs. White Spring Game. Admission and parking for the game are free.
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