By Tyler Mayforth
Daily Record Sports
San Marcos —
Texas State senior safety Kenneth Hampton couldn’t contain his excitement after Tuesday’s practice.
Hampton bounded across the field with a huge smile gracing his face.
“Man, it’s game week,” Hampton said. “We’ve been waiting all spring and summer for this.”
For the Bobcats, their tireless work throughout the spring practice, summer 7-on-7 workouts and fall camp is about to pay off. In 72 hours, Texas State opens the 2010 season against the University of Houston at Roberson Stadium.
“This is what our young men have been working toward,” Bobcats head coach Brad Wright said. “The only difference between this week and every other week this summer is that we get to hit someone with different colored jersey at the end of the week.”
With its focus trained toward the Cougars, Texas State can continue expanding the offensive playbook and center its defensive attack on Hesiman-hopeful quarterback Case Keenum.
In the last two weeks, the Bobcats have slowly thrown more of the playbook at redshirt sophomore quarterback Tim Hawkins. Texas State began to implement some of its “quarterback run game” to utilitze Hawkins’ speed.
“What we’re trying to do is make (Tim) understand through reps what he needs to do and where he needs to go with the football,” Wright said. “There are some things he does well and some things he doesn’t do too well and those things he doesn’t do too well, you’re not going to see during the game.”
Defensively, the Bobcats know their success will rely on their ability to limit Keenum’s production.
Keenum isn’t a secret — not any longer. After two consecutive 5,000-yard seasons through the air and 88 touchdowns in that span, Keenum is a favorite to contend for the 2010 Heisman Trophy.
“This is what you kill for as a defensive back and a senior,” Hampton, who started eight games for Texas State at strong safety in 2009, said. “When you play college football, you want to play the best. We get the opportunity this week and we’re looking forward to it.”
Bobcat Notes — The Bobcats will travel to Houston with three running backs (Dexter Imade, Frank Reddic and Corey Petro) ... When asked about the absence of senior running back Karrington Bush, Wright said “Karrington will not make the trip.” ... Kickoff is set for 7:06 p.m. Saturday night ... The second Bobcat Live Chat will be held tonight at 7:30 p.m.
