To get ready for September 1^st in Raleigh N.C., JMU Football Coach Mike Houston ordered some balmy weather for practice this week. Tuesday morning featured heat and humidity that had onlookers seeking the sparse shaded areas around the practice field. Here are some highlights from Day 4:

• The Offensive Line had a better day than Monday. The “Inside Run Game” drill was a battle between the two lines, and both made good plays. Center Mac Patrick told me after practice that the O-Line understands they set the tone for the practice sessions and they have to bring their full effort every day. The pads were popping between the two units and Tuesday was just the first of many days like this that lie ahead.
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• Defensive Lineman Mike Green is a big, strong young player. The 6’3, 295-pound Sophomore is going to be more than a handful this year.
• Nice plays on defense were made by Outside Linebacker Mike Cobbs, whose name I’ve heard from Coaches a few times the last 2 days, and by Safety Grant Westbrook, who cut through a wideout over the middle, tipped the ball away to where only he could catch it.
• Junior Defensive Lineman John Daka is making good strides and seems to be growing comfortable on the outside of the line.
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• From the offense, some young Wide Receivers made nice catches. Freshman Reggie Brown grabbed a few today, along with Freshman Davis Patterson. It’s hard to tell if these guys will see much time in a deep pool of Wide Receivers.
• Transfer Dylan Stapleton is a player. He has really good hands, and fights to get the ball. The Division II transfer is ineligible this year. He sort of reminds me of another Stapleton who wears the Purple and Gold.
• Marcus Marshall and Trai Sharp each broke off good runs in “O vs D” periods reminding us of what we saw a lot of last year.