Issue date: 6/1/09 Section: Sports

With spring practices behind them, members of Sacramento State's football team has summer drills ahead of them. They continue to work out on their own time to keep in shape for fall camp.

"Guys are working out hard," said Peter Buck, junior linebacker. "I think everyone kind of knows they're expected to be at a certain level and they've got to make sure to get themselves there."

Buck said he feels that the spring games have helped him to be more physical on the field.

"A little more explosion," Buck said. "A little more flexibility."

Even with a short break after spring ball, players know they have to keep working to bring that momentum into the spring season.

"Right now, it's work out whenever you can, come in strong and don't lose it," Buck said.

Players not working out will spend the summer healing from injuries. Numerous players missed spring games but everyone should be prepared for the fall.

"A couple guys just got unlucky, guys got fell on, stuff like that," Buck said.

"A lot of the injuries were just out for a couple weeks," said head coach Marshall Sperbeck. "The kids that were operated on in the fall are all coming back nicely off their surgeries."

Wanting to prevent further injuries, the annual spring Green and Gold Game was suspended in the first quarter due to rain.

"I'm thankful I didn't get those (injuries) but it's football so that's what happens in the game," Buck said.

Despite not being able to see several players on the practice field, the coaching staff was pleased with how the team performed during spring.

"I thought defensively our speed was real good," Sperbeck said. "We did a good job of getting to the football."

The coaches were impressed with the quarterbacks' offensive play.

"John Loeliger and Dominic Carmazzi both had good springs," Sperback said. "Jake Croxdale did some really good things."

Carmazzi is the younger brother of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Gio Carmazzi.

With progression in all positions, the coaches have good reason to be optimistic. Each position is deep even though injuries started to pile up.

"I think spring practices went well; we got better all the way through," Sperbeck said. "I'm very pleased with the outcome of how things finished up and hopefully that gives us a good springboard into fall practice."

Inconsistency was reduced throughout the spring and will help lessen mistakes that occur in the fall.

At wide receiver, the team plans on having at least 12 players. No player will play on offense and defense, but many will play multiple positions. Many will get a chance to play their main position plus special teams.

Junior Ronald Richardson and sophomore Chase Deadder have had good games at wide receiver, and junior Kenslow Smith has had good plays at running back. Brian Heath had a good spring playing tight end and also plays long snapper.

Even with great games in practice, every player is going to have to earn his spot during these sessions as nobody is a guaranteed starter.

Coaches will spend the summer watching film of spring games to correct problems.

Mitchell Wilson can be reached at mwilson@statehornet.com.

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