BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - With only three practices remaining in fall camp, the Western Kentucky University football team returned to the practice field and for the first time began focusing on their first opponent: Nebraska.
"We actually started a little bit of preparation for Nebraska," WKU coach Willie Taggart said. "We put a little stuff in, wanting to see some of the base stuff they are doing, so we worked on that today. After the full scrimmage yesterday, I wanted to come out and introduce Nebraska to these guys. Today was more of an introduction to what Nebraska does and see where our guys will go from there."
Taggart said that throughout the remaining practices between today and the Sept. 4 meeting with Nebraska, the Hilltoppers will continue to focus on their own offense, defense and special teams while introducing more about the Huskers each day.
After being named WKU's starting quarterback on Monday, sophomore Kawaun Jakes continues to show improvement, even with attention turned to Nebraska.
"He did well [today]," Taggart said. "I wasn't really looking for anyone to be spectacular or anything. I just wanted guys to know who they are blocking and where we were going with the ball. Kawaun is coming along. He had a really good scrimmage yesterday. I was really impressed with what he did with the ball and he is coming along."
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.
Season and single-game tickets for the upcoming 2010 WKU football season are on sale now. Prices are $15 for reserved bleacher seats, and general admission adult seats are $12 while general admission youth tickets (anyone 12 and under) are $6. Groups of 10 or more may purchase reserved or general admission tickets for $6 each.
2010 Season Tickets Location and Prices:
Red Towel-$108
Topper-$108
Spirit-$60
Reserved Season-$30
General Admission-$30
For more information, to order season or single-game tickets, or to order tickets for available away games please call 1-800-5-BIG RED or visit wkusports.com.
Hilltopper Spotlight: Preston King
Bowling Green native Preston King enters his fourth year as a member of the Hilltopper offensive line. A fixture at right tackle throughout his career, King played and started in nine games in 2009. In all, he has started 21 games and played in 26 contests over his first three seasons on the Hill. The King family is no stranger to Hilltopper football. Preston's father, Jim, lettered at WKU from 1980-83.
Q: What is your favorite activity outside your current sport?
A: I like to hunt and fish.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My mom's open faced turkey sandwich.
Q: What is your favorite spring break destination?
A: Panama City, Fla.
Q: What was your favorite cartoon character when you were a child?
A: Tom and Jerry
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: Entourage.
Q: If you could have dinner with any person no longer living, who would it be and why?
A: My grandfather, because he was a big part of my life and I would want to spend dinner with him.
Q: What are your plans after your playing days are over here at WKU?
A: I would like to go on and get my Masters Degree from here and WKU and then figure something out from there.
Q: What is your proudest moment in sports?
A: Getting the chance to play football for WKU.
Q: Who is your all-time favorite sports personality?
A: Michael Jordan.
Q: Other than WKU, who is your favorite team?
A: The Chicago Bears.
Q: Who is your favorite singer or music group?
A: Garth Brooks.
Q: What is the best movie you have ever seen?
A: Sling Blade.
Q: Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
A: My parents because I go to them for just about anything, including any type of advice. They always seem to give me good advice.
