The Prairie View A&M University Panther football team will hold its annual spring game on Wednesday, March 1 at Blackshear Field at 7:00 p.m.The game, which will be open to the public, will feature a controlled scrimmage that will place the players in game-type situations. However, according to third-year head coach Henry Frazier III, there will be two or three series where the offense will get a chance to drive the length of the field.
“We want to use the controlled format so we can put players in certain situations to see how they react so we can get a true assessment of them,” said Frazier.
Coming off their best season since 1988, the Panthers enter the 2006 season as one of the most experienced teams in the conference with the return of 18 starters from last season.
“It’s priceless to have that experience coming back but just because a player started last year doesn’t mean they’ll start next season due to fierce competition at every position,” said Frazier. “I truly believe that we are three-deep at every position on the football field and I look forward to a very competitive summer camp and upcoming football season.”
Per NCAA regulations, the Panthers were allowed 14 practices leading up to Wednesday’s scrimmage. Frazier said he was pleased with his team’s effort throughout the sessions.
“Practice has been fierce and the players have really been getting after it,” Frazier said. “We are still shorthanded offensively in some areas but other guys have stepped up. Overall, I like the spirit, enthusiasm and speed the players are playing at.”
In addition, Frazier also said the spring practice has given his younger players who didn’t receive playing time last season an opportunity to perform at game speeds.
“With the luxury of redshirting 19 guys last year and 17 the year before, it shows that we are steadily building a program here where we can consistently put out 20-plus seniors. I am excited about the program we’ve built here and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.