Football 08.13

Bison Have Strong First Practice

SHAWNEE -- Oklahoma Baptist opened football practice Saturday afternoon with most of the 121 players reporting taking action in what coaches called the best first day they had seen at OBU.

"It was a great day. I think it was the best first day we've had here," said Chris Jensen, who has been head coach of since the program rebooted in 2013. "One of the things that made it great was how hard the coaches prepared, and prepared their players. The older guys came in hungry and did a great job today providing leadership for the younger guys."

That said, Jensen and his staff preached a step-up philosophy about building on good days and momentum, rather than being satisfied.

"We've got to build on what we did today," Jensen said. "Tomorrow will tell us a little more about today. We can't rest on what we did today."

With just over half the players on the roster being fresh faces to Bison Hill, Jensen also noted a need to maintain their ambition.

"New guys come in on edge the first day, but then they get comfortable," Jensen said. "We need them to keep that edge."

While not many specific surprises leapt out overall, Jensen mentioned the kicking game.

"I really had my eyes on the kickers today and Hayden Ashley (Fr. Tulsa) is really putting some pressure on," Jensen said. "He just has so much power in his leg."

Ashley repeatedly put his kickoffs Saturday out or at the back of the end zone.

The team will attend church together Sunday and resume practices in the late afternoon.

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