Citadel Spring Football Update

March 2, 2014 SPRING PRACTICE PHOTO ALBUM Charleston, S.C. – Under the direction of first-year head coach Mike Houston, The Citadel football team continued to see vast improvements on offense, defense and special teams as it reached the halfway mark of spring practice on Saturday. Practice continues through the next two weeks and culminates with the annual Coke Zero Blue & White Spring Game on Mar. 15 at 1 p.m. at Johnson Hagood Stadium. The annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest, hosted by The Citadel Football Association, will be in conjunction with the game. The team practiced in full pads on Saturday on Sansom Field at Johnson Hagood Stadium, running through various situational football scenarios on offense, defense and special teams. The new coaching staff was pleased with the noticeable improvements by the players who are learning the new fast-paced system. "I am pleased with the overall effort of the players as I feel they are trying to do what we ask of them," said Houston. "It has been an adjustment with the style of play that we plan to have as an overall team. We are asking them to play very physical football in all three phases of the game on a daily basis." Offensively, senior quarterback Aaron Miller continues to shine as a rusher and passer. Miller has played in 28 contests through three seasons, but will be looking for his first career start when the Bulldogs open the season at home against Coastal Carolina on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Freshman Cam Jackson also handled quarterbacking duties well, while senior Victor Hill provided great leadership on a young offensive line. Defensively, sophomore Mitchell Jeter continued his solid spring performance and the coaches are excited about his development both on and off the field. Sophomore James Riley, who started 11 games at linebacker in 2013, is also having a solid spring. The special team's positions are expected to be fought out in spring and summer camps. "We have great battles going on with our specialists and they are competing hard on a daily basis so far this spring, said Houston. "I cannot predict any frontrunners besides snapper Hunter Morris." The Bulldogs continue their usual spring practice schedule of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the next two weeks. "As a whole we are making steady progress and took another step forward this weekend as a team," finished Houston. "I am excited as we build towards the annual Blue & White Game." For ticket and game information, call 843-953-DOGS or go online at www.citadelsports.com.   Written by Citadel Athletic Department Staff