Tuesday’s practice began fast with the tempo drill and that set the tone for the day.  Here’s some of what I saw:

• One on one drills today had a new intensity, it seemed players were keenly aware that spots of the depth charts were being determined, and it showed in their effort. Not every play or drill was executed perfectly, but The Dukes seemed to be giving what they had to give most of the day.
• The physical nature of the “Run Game Drill” was fun to watch. The collisions that took place made me respect the lines from both sides that much more. It was easy to see why one of the first words used to describe JMU is physical.
• Practice may have just started last week, but already I’ve noticed the technique and approach from a lot of younger players is steadily improving. The building of depth may come slower than coaches would like, but I’d say there is progress.
• Marcus Marshall “ran angry” at times today, with such a purpose and intent.
• Young DB Jamari Currence had a nice INT in the end zone, stepping in front of an intended receiver.
• Robert Carter Jr. also snagged a pass out of the air that was being juggled by a wide receiver.
• The highlight of the day for me was being able to watch Defensive Line Coach Jeff Hanson and Offensive Line Coach Steve Shankweiler coach the individual drills between their two groups. If I had to buy a ticket to watch that drill, I’d do it again and again
• Coach Mike Houston talked at one point about the difference in being a winning program and not being a winning program. He praised the intensity and toughness he’s seen, and advised how to use that to be a winning program.

 Tomorrow on The Daily Sports Feed, I’ll bring you conversations with Offensive Lineman Zaire Bethea and Jahee Jackson, as well as Tight End Clayton Cheatham. Those interviews will be posted to www.espnharrisonburg.com under The Daily Sports Feed Podcast Archive.