ORCHARD PARK, NY - The University of Buffalo football team held its second practice of the week at the Buffalo Bills Field House on Thursday. Despite the wind and rain outside, spirits were high inside. As the players began to trickle onto the field, it was easy to see that the rainy weather had no effect on their morale. There was plenty of energy to go around once the whistle blew.
Here are some highlights of Thursday's practice.
Offense vs. Defense
• Linebacker Raphael Akobundu made a play on the football
knocking it away from receiver Terrell Jackson.
• Linebacker Khalil Mack forced his way through the
offensive line to force and recover a fumble.
• Wide receiver Marcus Rivers caught a short pass from QB
Jerry Davis and juked his way into the end zone.
• Linebacker John Syty was able to disrupt a handoff -
knocking it out of the running back's hands and recovering
the fumble.
• Domonic Cook showed off his athletic ability by flying
through the air and knocking away the pass intended for Fred Lee in
the corner of the end zone.
• Running back Branden Oliver took a handoff, made a quick cut
left and burst his way 12 yards over a defender into the end
zone.
• Wide receiver Free Lee displayed his jumping ability with a
leaping catch over cornerback Domonic Cook for a touchdown.
• Tight end Dante Burton caught a ball from Jerry Davis at the
3-yard line, knocking over safety Davonte Shannon for the
touchdown.
• Linebacker Dalonte Wallace intercepted a pass by QB Jerry
Davis in the middle of the field.
Play of the Day
• Wide receiver Fred Lee made an acrobatic catch in the end zone, while being pulled to the ground by the defender. Lee was able to turn his body and dive for the ball that was thrown low and behind him.
Hit of the Day
• After a pass intended for Michael Marr was tipped into the air, cornerback Josh Thomas came in and smacked Marr clean off his feet.
Thoughts from Coach Quinn
"Our defense was put in a very challenging situation and they answered the challenge and that's always pleasing to see when your defense can keep people out of the end zone. On the other hand, our offense still doesn't have that rhythm and sync to be able to make plays in critical situations. Overall I'm very pleased with our defense, but our offense needs to pick it up. Each day is a learning process and each day we are better as a whole."
The Bulls continue practice on Saturday at UB Stadium. The annual Blue and White scrimmage will be held on April 24th.
Written by Zach Ruske