Tulsa Football Practices In Pads For First Time

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma – The Tulsa football team took part in its first full practice with shoulder pads and helmets Saturday.

New head coach Bill Blankenship said practices take on a different feel when they are in pads, and that the success of the offense and defense reversed as the day went on Saturday.

"I thought the offense started off fast and the defense was a little behind," Blankenship said. "As we went into the fourth quarter of our team action, I really feel like the defense dominated more and the offense kind of faded a little bit. It's always interesting when you get your pads on because you feel a little more like it's real football, but the heat will affect you a little more."

Blankenship added that he is looking forward to studying tape and evaluating the performances of the Golden Hurricane's incoming freshmen.

"Today is the first day when we get to start really evaluating our young talent, because it's in pads," he said. "Most of them were a little wide-eyed today."