FOOTBALL

According to NCAA rules, the Texas A&M University-Commerce football team has spent the last four days getting acclimated, before being allowed to practice in pads on Monday. A drizzle at the start of practice and the addition of pads did not deter the excitement that has surrounded Memorial Stadium since the initial workout last Thursday.
 
Senior Chad Washington, who was the fifth leading tackler for the Lions in 2007, was excited to put on the pads. "Having the pads on today brings the family one more step closer in our work towards our goals. Along with the heat, it also starts to put us into better football shape for the upcoming season."

Washington will lead a Lions defense that for the last three years has finished among the top two in rushing defense and passing defense. The 115.4 yards per game that A&M-Commerce gave up on the ground was the second lowest since the 1992 season. Since the arrival of head coach Scotty Conley prior to the start of the 2004 season, the A&M-Commerce defense has been either first or second in passing defense.

Looking for leadership from Washington will be first year defensive coordinator Erik Slaughter.

"He's a great coach and has been showing us a lot in the last week. Coach Slaughter is a player's coach and is down to Earth. I really like the schemes that he has put in for me and my teammates," said Washington.

The Lions will continue its work towards the season opener on August 30th at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, Louisiana.