Bowling Green, Ky. - Football season is back on the Hill. For the first time this fall, the Western Kentucky University football team took to the field under the lights at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium Monday night for nearly three-hour practice.
Though players donned just shorts and helmets, it was the first time since April 17 that players and coaches reunited on the field.
"It felt great to get back out to work. You've been preparing all summer for this day, and now you finally get to go out and see where all that preparation has gotten you," said first-year head coach Willie Taggart. "I told the guys this was like Christmas. I was ready to open up the presents and see what I got. I was happy with some of the presents, and some I wasn't. We've got a long way to go still, but it's just the first day and we'll get back out at it again tomorrow."
Taggart said he was impressed with the performance of several newcomers practicing for the first time at the collegiate level. Of the 105 players in camp, 46 are either true or redshirt freshmen.
"We're not where we want to be yet, but I saw some good things," added Taggart. "We've got to build on that now and get continue to bring the young guys along, while also getting some of the returning guys to step up their play."
The Hilltoppers will hit the field again on Tuesday for an afternoon practice. Prior to that, Taggart and selected players and coaches will take part in WKU's annual media day luncheon and press conference.
The 2010 season marks the first for WKU under the direction of Taggart, who was named head coach on November 23. Taggart previously served as running backs coach at Stanford from 2007-09 and helped Toby Gerhart finish second in balloting for the Heisman Trophy and win the Doak Walker award given to the nation's top running back. Taggart worked as an assistant coach at WKU from 1999-2006 and served as co-offensive coordinator for WKU's 2002 I-AA National Championship team. A standout player at quarterback who set 11 school records for the Hilltoppers from 1995-98, Taggart is one of only four players in WKU's 91-year football history to have his jersey retired.
Fall camp will encompass the entire month of August, and will come to a close on Saturday, Aug. 28 with the second annual Family Fun Day from Noon-3 p.m. (CDT) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The 2010 season opens Sept. 4 at #9 Nebraska.
Hilltopper Spotlight - Jared Clendenin, Jr., DL, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Junior defensive end Jared Clendenin is slated to start for the third straight season on the HIlltopper defensive front. The Stone Mountain, Ga., product played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2008, and saw the field in 11 contest last season. As a sophomore, he registered 40 total tackles, 10 of which came in the home opener against South Florida. He was also credited with three pass breakups a season ago.
Q: What is your favorite activity outside your current sport?
A: I like to play basketball
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Hot wings from American Deli back home.
Q: What is your favorite spring break destination?
A: Miami, Fla.
Q: What was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?
A: I liked Big Bird from Sesame Street
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: Family Guy
Q: If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would it be and why?
A: Abraham Lincoln because he was always honest.
Q: What are your plans after your playing days are over here at WKU?
A: If I can, I'd love to get a chance to play in the NFL. If not, then I would like to open up a few businesses, maybe a funeral home with some friends.
Q: What is your proudest moment in sports?
A: When I got my first career sack against Middle Tennessee.
Q: Who is your all-time favorite sports personality?
A: Julius Peppers. Not really a Carolina Panthers fan, just a fan of his.
Q: Who is your favorite singer or music group?
A: T.I.
Q: What is the best movie you have ever seen?
A: The Hangover
Q: Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
A: My mother, because she always knew the right thing to do and the right thing to say.
