Feb. 11, 2012

WEST POINT, N .Y. – The Army football team took the field on Saturday morning for its first official practice of the spring season. Saturday’s session was mostly administrative with the coaches and players walking through their normal practice routine.

The full team was not on the field together. The group was split into two groups with one group starting in the weight room while the other went through the walk-thru portion of the practice. The two units switched places mid-way through the workout.

Saturday’s practice demonstrated the Black Knights’ focus on fundamentals this spring. Having every player on the same page and well versed in each drill will allow for greater efficiency and more quality repetitions. After suffering costly turnovers last season, ball security will be one of the most important fundamentals for the Black Knights this spring. After several veteran players sat out last spring’s drills, this  year’s returning players can count on getting plenty of action.

“Frankly, those guys need it very badly,” head coach Rich Ellerson said. “We had the ball on the ground a lot last year. When we talk about the fundamentals, in some cases, I’m talking about our older guys. We need to either get them right or beat them out.”

Army will get into full swing on Monday, Feb. 13. Each of the Black Knights’ practices will take place at 6:55 a.m. inside the Foley Athletic Center. The full schedule, including the www.goARMYsports.com coverage plan, is below.