Opening under gray skies before finishing on a sun-splashed Monday morning, Western Carolina football put on full pads for the first time this preseason on the turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field for the sixth practice of the 2024 fall camp.
Returning to work after Sunday’s first scheduled off-day, Catamount fourth-year head coach Kerwin Bell that even with the excitement of the first day in full pads, he felt his squad shook off some early sluggishness from being idle to rebound for another solid effort.
“I thought our guys really came out and really competed. We did a lot of challenging things (today), a lot of competitive segments in our practice,” said Bell following Monday morning’s workout. “I liked the first day. We really competed hard and played physical and our defense is really starting to shine.”
With the full team on the field at once – differing from the first few sessions that saw a more split-squad setup – Monday’s practice included the traditional position, unit, and team drill segments, though tempo and hitting picked up a bit in full pads. Team sessions included multiple offense vs. defense competitive scenarios with either side looking to win the segment.
WCU’s offense continues to work under the returning eye of coordinator Rylan Wells, who has acclimated to his new role well this preseason. With returning quarterback Cole Gonzales flanked by returners Taron Dickens and Bennett Judy and newcomers in transfer Jefferson Boaz and freshman Nate Blair, the unit continues to look the part of last season’s record-setting offense that led the NCAA FCS with over 500 yards per game.
On the flip side, veteran defensive coach Jerry Odom continues to demand the most from his group in his first fall camp with the Catamounts. Odom, who played with Bell at Florida, understands the offensive mentality of his former teammate and the current ol’ ball coach which leads him to challenge his players to finish every play. Odom commented that he feels the defense is ahead of where it finished in the spring, his first opportunity with the unit after coming on board as the coordinator.
Linebackers coach Cody Edwards who assumes coordinator responsibilities of the special teams, aided and assisted by running backs coach Rudi Small and secondary coach Larry Murphy, feels confident in what he’s seen through the meeting rooms and on the turf in the kicking game. Having veterans in preseason All-SoCon long-snapper Colby Cross, veteran kicker Paxton Robertson, and second-year punter Stephen Brantley can help add to his confidence. Those three are being pushed for starting time by a few others including Walter Gibson and Mabry Bumgarner at snapper, with returning PK Corbin Shirley, transfer Christian Lowery, and newcomer Maddox Cowart getting reps on field goals, PATs, and kickoffs.
The Catamounts remain relatively healthy among the 110 that opened camp a week ago Tuesday, completing two helmet-only practices, a pair in uppers – or helmets and shoulder pads – and Monday’s workout in full pads. A few players are returning from injuries that are being limited early in camp, eyeing the end of the month to be completely ready to go when the toe hits the leather in Raleigh.
Overall, Bell has been impressed with the way his squad returned to camp from a strength and conditioning standpoint, while also liking the level of execution at times across the field on both sides.
“I think we’ve had a great first five days, I’m very pleased with that first week,” Bell added. “But these next three weeks is probably what will separate you from some other football teams early in the season; how well you handle these next three weeks. And that was my message to the team (after practice).”
Practice continues Tuesday morning with a workout in shells before returning to full pads on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s scheduled off day for the players. The Catamount coaching staff will keep busy, though, as Bell and company host the Catamount Football “Ladies Night” on August 8, from 5:30 pm until 8 pm. The cost of the event is $30 and includes food, drinks, an event T-shirt, a chance to meet the Catamount coaching staff, and an opportunity to learn more about football ahead of the 2024 season.
The Catamounts will practice in shells again on Friday before holding the first of two preseason scrimmages on Saturday, Aug. 9, beginning at 9 a.m. in Cullowhee. Each of WCU's preseason football practices is open to the public. It is respectfully requested that spectators observe from the stadium seating area and avoid being either on the field or the sidelines for safety. Practice times are subject to change.
Both season and single-game tickets for the five home dates in #CatamountCountry remain on sale now through the WCU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center, or by phone at (828) 227-2401. Fans can also purchase tickets and game day parking in advance online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets.
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