On day 15 of Tuskegee University football's preseason camp, head coach Reginald Ruffin put his 2022 Golden Tigers through its most extensive scrimmage of the preseason Saturday, once again scrimmaging at Auburn, due to construction.
Saturday's scrimmage is the team's final workout before the start of classes, as the Golden Tigers will then transition into their normal in-season practice schedule, before moving into game-week preparation the following week, as they open against Fort Valley State on Sunday, Sept. 4 in the Boeing Red Tails Classic on ESPNU. The season opener will be one of three straight games away from home to open the year.
After a short warm-up, nearly the entire two-hour practice was spent in 11-on-11 full field action live periods, including extended situational periods. Ruffin stated that the emphasis on live-game situations was important with the addition of so many new players on the roster.
"With this being the second scrimmage, we wanted to really put our team in game situations __ starting from the 50 and starting from the goal line amongst other things," Ruffin explained. "We wanted to see them more controlled to also keep our guys as healthy as possible. I'm excited about some things, and of course we need more work in some areas. Turnovers continue to be an emphasis for us, which is a great thing for our defense, yet we have to reduce those from the offensive end to be successful."
With just over two weeks and ten practices remaining until the season opener, Saturday's scrimmage also saw the coaches call plays from the sides while officials were on the field.
"We tried to make it as game like as possible for everybody - the coaching staff, the players, the sidelines and everything, including all the communication and all the substitutions," Ruffin said.
Ruffin noted that even though the preseason scrimmage has concluded and classes have begun, there will still be competition during the coming weeks of practice for positions on the offense, defense, and special teams for the season opener.
"We have a lot of new faces around here," he said. "We have to continue to develop our team comradery and continue to come together. With two weeks to go still before we play, we want continued competition to push each other to be better. Our emphasis will remain not turning the ball over, making plays defensively, and improving in the kicking game all while trying to keep guys healthy and fresh for September 4."
Purchase Tuskegee Football tickets now online at goldentigersports.com. Tickets for the Boeing Red Tails Classic and Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic are sold separately. For more information and to see all the options and prices, click here.
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