Veterans bring continuity to spring practice but there is a learning curve for Colonels

Even for a squad that returns many of their players from a conference football champion, there is a learning curve.

“We talked about that,” Nicholls coach Tim Rebowe. “I think the offense and defensive staff is doing a great job of not rushing and trying to get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re going back to the basics. We’re going back to the beginning with our install. We’re not going to speed this up. It is good we have some guys that know our system, they know what’s going on, but we got a lot of young guys that we’re trying to groom, also. So, we’re trying to find a happy medium, but we’re not rushing the installation process.”

After four workouts into spring practice, the veterans like what they have seen from their teammates.

“This is the most competitive, the most well-conditioned team that we have. We have good hopes for the coming season,” said senior linebacker Quinton Sharkey.

“I think it’s going great from kind of where we picked off from last year,” said senior tight end Lee Negrotto. “We finished conference champs. We didn’t do what we wanted to do in the playoffs. We are more determined to go actually make a run in the playoffs, build on top of what we did last year. I think everyone understands that and everyone’s locked in and ready to go.”

Tuesday’s practice, held at the team’s covered outdoor facility, was the second in pads for the Colonels.

“We’re still learning how to practice thud-tempo, guys wrapping up,” said Rebowe. “We gotta learn how to finish plays. We gotta learn how to stay on our feet. A lot of grabbing, a lot of pushing around after. We’ve got to be able to correct that. I understand the guys are antsy to get into some full contact and take guys to the ground, but we’re not there yet.”

The returning veterans provide continuity, but each team has players it must replace annually.

“We are in this boat every year,” Rebowe said. “You lose some key players and it’s time for some other guys to grow up. Some guys that got to step up, I’m looking at the wide receiver corps. We have some guys who’s been having some good practices, a couple made some good catches today.”

On the defensive side, the vast majority of players return, but there were some key losses up front for the Colonels

“I think when you look at defensively, we’ve got a lot of guys coming back, but you got a Perry Ganci that you’re trying to replace. I think our guys are doing a good job of it and it’s time for some guys to step up and be ready to fill in,” Rebowe said of Ganci, a longtime stalwart along the defensive line.

Still, it’s nice to have those veterans back.

“Us having so many starters back – not even just starters, but so many guys coming back – it’s not like we’re starting from square one. We have an edge. We have guys that have some experience, has a championship under their belt. So, we have guys ready to work and ready to compete,” said Sharkey.

“You can never go wrong when you have veterans because they understand what needs to be done and how it needs to be done. It’s understood without being said these are the guys that you look and follow after because they’re the ones who have been here before, when they struggled and then when they’ve succeeded, so they know how it’s supposed to be,” Negrotto said.

The Colonels’ work schedule of Tuesday and Thursday mornings, along with a Saturday scrimmage continues into the spring game, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 27.

“The faster we can learn what to do, the better I think we’re all going to be. I think that’s been the message. We have it planned out pretty good with three days a week. We have that off day in between where we can meet and really get in that film and get in that (play) book and learn it,” said Rebowe.