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Sports

Cougars expect better results this time around

Team to scrimmage for second weekend in a row

by MARK SUAREZ
The Daily Cougar

The Cougars are set to turn up the heat on spring practice workouts when they scrimmage Saturday.

The team drew mixed reviews from head coach Art Briles during last week's scrimmage and will try to iron out all the kinks prior the annual Red and White game on April 7.

"I thought defense really ran well and played with a lot of energy," Briles said.

"Offensively, we (have) got to cut out negative plays. We had some sacks and mishandled balls. (Those are) things that we can correct." 

Injury update

On the injury front, the jury is still out on senior offensive lineman SirVincent Rogers and whether or not he will opt to take a medical red shirt and sit out all of next season.

Senior safety Rocky Schwartz is expected to be ready to play in the season opener at Oregon on Sept. 9. Schwartz suffered a season-ending knee injury against Grambling State last season.

Other Cougars sitting out spring practice to nurse injuries include linebackers sophomore Rodney Rideau and junior James Francis and nose sophomore tackle Cody Pree.

On the move

Sophomore L.J. Castille is in the process of making the transition from quarterback to wide receiver this spring.

Although the former La Marque standout won't have an opportunity to compete for the chance to be Kevin Kolb's successor, he's content with his new role.

"I'm not disappointed," Castille said. "I'm just doing what's best for the team right now and what's best (is) me moving over to receiver." 

Castille could be a potent weapon for the Cougars, who lost playmakers Vincent Marshall and Biren Ealy to graduation. 

He should have no problem competing for one of the starting wide receiver spots in 2007. Castille, who is listed at 6-3, 200 pounds, has loads of athleticism.

"I think my hands and my height and my ability to jump will help me the most," Castille said. 

All set

Redshirt sophomore Blake Joseph remains next season's projected starter at quarterback with Case Keenum expected to fill the backup role.

With the departure of kicker Garrett Lefevre, sophomore Ben Bell and junior T.J. Lawrence will share kickoff duties.

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