Golden Hurricane Begin Practice, Montgomery Impressed With Team's Intensity And Focus

The University of Tulsa football team kicked off practice Thursday morning.

It's year two for Coach Philip Montgomery and his Golden Hurricane, and right now, it's less learning and more action.

"I thought our focus and our intensity and enthusiasm was outstanding,” said Montgomery. “I like what they brought to the field. They were a little tired, but that's everybody's first day."

Quarterback Dane Evans added, “We at least know what we're doing this year. We're not running around like chickens with our heads cut off today. It was still fast and chaotic."

Junior linebacker Trent Martin said he couldn’t sleep last night, anticipating camp.

"Last night it was hard to go to sleep and just sitting there thinking about plays and making sure I know about all the calls,” he stated. “It was fun, and I'm happy to be back out here."

Coach Montgomery was impressed with his freshman class. Some of them may see some playing time this year, and they'll be led by Evans, who Coach Montgomery says is the unquestioned leader of the team.

"Last year he had his hands full with just trying to execute what we're doing,” Montgomery explained. “This year, his technique is so much better, better grasp of what we're doing offensively. And now, this is his football team. It's time for you to stand up from a vocal standpoint and really push our football team."

Dane said, "For me, you think that'd be easy for a quarterback, but I just like doing my work and bring in guys by my action. But now, I realize being a senior and being an older guy I got to be talking. I always got to be positive, saying the right thing."