Photo by: Samantha Blankenship / Ball State University
Family and Fun Surround Final Workout of Spring Football Drills
April 06, 2024 | Football
Saturday's annual spring football game at Scheumann Stadium was about family and fun, as much as it was about football.
Over the course of a 90-minute practice and controlled scrimmage, the Cardinals rotated a variety of quarterbacks and ran team drills as well as individual drills. In front of roughly a thousand family members and close friends, coach Mike Neu directed his charges through 14 periods of medium-to-high speed contact in what was the final workout of 15 spring contact practices, as allowed by the NCAA.
From the time spectators began filling the grandstands, the theme of the day was about togetherness. Postgame activities exemplified that bond as players, families and coaches mingled on the playing turf for nearly an hour after the final whistle sounded. Kids threw their own spirals, catching touchdown passes and toe-tapping the sideline while Ball State student-athletes shared smiles and camaraderie with moms, dads and friends.
"That's what this was all about today," said Neu, "the chance to celebrate a productive spring in front of family and friends. These guys work hard, and we've made some improvements with new guys and developing guys. But when you can embrace families, and welcome them into your football program, it's special."
Offensively, team highlights featured touchdown passes to wide receivers Ty Robinson and Justin Bowick, who reflect new depth in the Cardinals' receiving unit. Returning QBs Kiael Kelly and Kadin Semonza ran the bulk of plays for the offense, but were joined by newcomer Chase Harrison plus Colin Blazek and Aiden Leffler.
Early in the scrimmage, the defense was firm while limiting offensive production. Defensively is where the Cardinals will see the biggest change in personnel and philosophy, with the addition of new defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles and a re-made defensive line. A strong linebacking unit is anchored by returning starter Keionte Newson and veteran Brandon Berger. The defensive backfield will take a new shape after the loss of starters Jordan Riley and Red Potts, but its returning contingent boasts starting experience with Jahmad Harmon, Thailand Baldwin and Jordan Coleman.
Conditioning continues through the rest of the spring semester and summer drills commence in June. The Cardinals return to Scheumann Stadium to host their 2024 home opener against Missouri State on Sept. 7.
Over the course of a 90-minute practice and controlled scrimmage, the Cardinals rotated a variety of quarterbacks and ran team drills as well as individual drills. In front of roughly a thousand family members and close friends, coach Mike Neu directed his charges through 14 periods of medium-to-high speed contact in what was the final workout of 15 spring contact practices, as allowed by the NCAA.
From the time spectators began filling the grandstands, the theme of the day was about togetherness. Postgame activities exemplified that bond as players, families and coaches mingled on the playing turf for nearly an hour after the final whistle sounded. Kids threw their own spirals, catching touchdown passes and toe-tapping the sideline while Ball State student-athletes shared smiles and camaraderie with moms, dads and friends.
"That's what this was all about today," said Neu, "the chance to celebrate a productive spring in front of family and friends. These guys work hard, and we've made some improvements with new guys and developing guys. But when you can embrace families, and welcome them into your football program, it's special."
Offensively, team highlights featured touchdown passes to wide receivers Ty Robinson and Justin Bowick, who reflect new depth in the Cardinals' receiving unit. Returning QBs Kiael Kelly and Kadin Semonza ran the bulk of plays for the offense, but were joined by newcomer Chase Harrison plus Colin Blazek and Aiden Leffler.
Early in the scrimmage, the defense was firm while limiting offensive production. Defensively is where the Cardinals will see the biggest change in personnel and philosophy, with the addition of new defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles and a re-made defensive line. A strong linebacking unit is anchored by returning starter Keionte Newson and veteran Brandon Berger. The defensive backfield will take a new shape after the loss of starters Jordan Riley and Red Potts, but its returning contingent boasts starting experience with Jahmad Harmon, Thailand Baldwin and Jordan Coleman.
Conditioning continues through the rest of the spring semester and summer drills commence in June. The Cardinals return to Scheumann Stadium to host their 2024 home opener against Missouri State on Sept. 7.
Players Mentioned
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