Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh enters final week of spring practice
4/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – With more than half of its practices in the books, the Lehigh football team is fast approaching its final week of spring ball. The Mountain Hawks will conduct four more practices over the next six days, and then conclude the spring segment on April 18 with the annual Brown and White Game. “We spent the first few weeks installing the offensive system, working on fundamentals and getting the younger kids plenty of reps,” explained head coach Andy Coen. “As is the case with most spring seasons, at this time a lot of guys are nicked up and so we want to be smart regarding the health of our more veteran players. That will provide even more opportunities for the younger players during practice.”
Coen says the Mountain Hawks will use the final week of practice to focus on red zone offense and defense, as well as goal-line situations.
With the rising sophomore class going through its first spring segment, Coen says he’s been pleased with the progress of that group overall. “Matt Fitz at running back has been impressive; he’s competed well and really improved from last year. De’Vaughn Gordon and Jake Drwal at wide receiver have done some nice things, and on defense Fred Mihal at linebacker and Colin Newton at cornerback have both had very strong springs. They have shown good signs of progress from when the season ended in November.”
Coen also pointed to punter Alex Smith as another rising sophomore who has put together a consistent spring.
Two of the key position battles throughout spring and into preseason camp are the running back and wide receiver spots. Coen said the progress there has been going well. “It’s a work-in progress. The kids are working hard and they’re getting better. Jaren Walker has done a nice job in rounding back into form at running back; he needs to continue to become more consistent, and like I mentioned before, I think Matt Fitz has done a very nice job for us.”
He continued, “At wide receiver, Travis Artim had two big catches for touchdowns the other day in our scrimmage, so that was nice to see.”
Asked what has surprised him this spring, Coen pointed to the play of the defensive line. “That group has really played well all spring. BJ Benning has done what we expected, and that is what we need, for him to perform at a high level. And David Brown and Phil Winnett have both looked great out there. I thought the strength of the team would lie at linebacker, but the D-line has been a pleasant surprise.”
Coen then commented on the play of some of the Lehigh veterans. “Matt Cohen has played very well as has Heath Brickner. And I am very pleased with how our secondary has been playing. They continue to get better with each practice.”
The Brown and White will close out the spring with practice on Saturday, April 11, as well as Monday, April 13, Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday April 16. All practices are scheduled to begin at 4:30.
Lehigh’s spring season comes to a close on Saturday, April 18 when the Mountain Hawks take part in the annual Spring Game inside of Goodman Stadium, beginning at 2:00. The event is free of charge and open to all.
