“These guys are here year round. I feel like we’re on the right track. These guys have done a really good job of learning the systems and working to be in shape,” O’Brien said.
The new quarterback room, led by Saginaw Valley State transfer Mason McKenzie, wasted no time in getting comfortable with their teammates on offense. The Caledonia, Mich. native kicked off some red zone work by finding second-year running back Bo MacCormack III for a touchdown before freshman Femi Babalola connected with running back Evan Dickens and wide receiver Dawson Pough for a pair of scores.
“I had a really successful season last season, but that’s in the past. I’m looking forward to mimicking or even having a better season this year. … I’m still hungry. I’m not satisfied, and I’m going to keep plotting,” Dickens told the media after Wednesday’s practice.
The defense wouldn’t go away quietly on day one. Defensive lineman Chris Marable Jr. deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage that could have been intercepted. A few plays later, safety Carter Davis hauled in another tipped ball in the secondary for an interception of his own.
“I’ve played in a lot of games and been through a lot of fall camps. It comes down to helping the younger guys grow… There are going to be hard days. This is just day one. Every day is not going to be as fun or as smooth as today went. It’s going to be a grind,” said Davis.
The play of Wednesday’s first training camp practice came from cornerback Syair Torrence, who made a leaping grab on his back for an interception towards the back pylon of the end zone.
The Eagles return to the field tomorrow morning for their second training camp practice before an off-day on Friday. Practices are closed to the public.
