BOONE, N.C. — Once again the weather was nasty and colder than a usual summer day in Boone, but Appalachian State University football developed and improved on the sixth day of fall camp inside Kidd Brewer Stadium.
As the season opener draws near day-by-day, the Apps continued to strive to be the best they can be for Sept. 1. The officials were on hand for the first time during fall camp, specifically for the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods.
Appalachian endured individual and team drills during the two-hour session. The offensive linemen worked on their splits and pass protection while the defensive interior worked on getting low and practiced different techniques to rush the quarterback. The receivers and wideouts battled on the outside during their period. Shaedon Meadors had his best practice this week with a few long and impressive catches. Jaquil Capel also had an impressive session with two catches as well. A.J. Howard displayed tight coverage to break up a pass.
During 7-on-7 and 11-on-11, the defense stepped up today with a pair of interceptions and multiple tackles for loss. Desmond Franklin picked off a long pass that hung in the air for quite some time. Later during the 7-on-7 session, John Law reacted quickly to the quarterback's throw for an interception that could have gone for six in a regular contest.
J.P. Caruso tallied more snaps at quarterback during the soft session in 11-on-11 with Marcus Cox spearheading the trio of himself, Jalin Moore and Terrence Upshaw gaining positive yards on six straight plays.
Following the special teams session, the Apps ended practice with the offense and defense getting after it. The defense stopped the offense in their tracks on multiple plays. Anthony Flory picked up a sack while the defense pressured the quarterback for much of the period. Eric Boggs barreled through the hole to record a tackle for loss on Cox.
Highlighting the offense was Taylor Lamb and some very impressive snags from the wideouts. Lamb found Maedors on a deep route down the middle for the junior wide receiver for a jump ball. Later, Lamb threw a deep pass to the pylon to Deltron Hopkins, who was being covered by Mondo Williams.With Williams playing terrific defense against Hopkins, the ball still stuck to Hopkins' chest for the touchdown.
Hunter Nunn also reeled in a pass on a rollout from Caruso for 15-yards that gave the team, even more excitement. Appalachian finished the practice with sprints followed by media interviews.
The Apps will have a much deserved day off tomorrow. Day seven of camp will take place on Saturday. Check back with appstatesports.com for the latest in fall camp coverage.
