Osborn pleased with first week

So far, the first week of practice for new Smackover football coach David Osborn has gone smoothly.

The Bucks completed their third morning workout on Wednesday.

“Practice has gone well for this week as a whole,” Osborn said. “It's been very fast paced and up tempo. We've been working to get into football shape. There is going to be a huge difference between quarantine shape and being able to play a game. It's like I told the kids today, ‘Take advantage of every time we get to practice. You aren't ever going to get that time back so let's not waste it.'”

The Bucks have mixed days of offense and defense this week.

“So far we have had two days offense and one day of defense,” Osborn said. “I've been really pleased with how our kids have been picking up the changes on offense. They seem to be grasping the concepts and understand that it's a process and it's not going to just happen overnight.”

Osborn also had high praise for his seniors for their work this week.

“The kids have really worked hard and our seniors have done a great job of bringing things together and keeping practice rolling like we want,” Osborn said.

Osborn said one spot that has stood out in practices this week have been at the skill positions.

“Overall our skill guys have probably stood out the most just with the amount of depth we have,” Osborn said. “It's a luxury that we haven't had in a while. It's nice to look up and see four wide receivers on the field at the same time who are over 6 feet and can run.

“Breylon Love, Daylon Curley, D'Kylan Hildreth, we feel like their size and speed can cause some mismatches. Jarius

Burgie, Hadden Jonio and T'Jay Modica have settled in well in the backfield and can go play in space. Austin Goodwin, Landon Wallingsford and Tyler Sexton have looked good at quarterback. When they haven't been in the backfield, they have been giving some quality work at receiver.”

Osborn was also pleased with the development of his front line.

“On the front, I've been impressed with Lamon Hicks and Sam Gathright,” Osborn said. “Lamon is a bowling ball in there. He's got a low center of gravity and is our strongest kid. Sam has improved over the summer and has been working hard as a leader for our O-line.”

Osborn said the focus for Thursday's practice will be defense.

“On Thursday, we will shift back to defense,” Osborn said. “A lot of what we are doing on that side on the ball is just review for our guys. Right now, it's a lot of the basics, alignments and some pass drops. A little bit harder to get going on that side till Monday and it's full contact.

“Adding the shoulder pads was a good step in trying to get acclimated to football again. We are going to continue to build on the foundation we have been laying this summer. That way, once full contact is allowed, we will be able to roll into it.”