By ROBERT CESSNAThe squads started out about 80 yards apart, using huge slingshots to launch balloons, which missed their mark with regularity.
Starting quarterback Stephen McGee had the best mortar shot as fellow quarterbacks Tommy Dorman and Jerrod Johnson helped, but after a few more futile shots from both sides, the players took matters into their own hands. The closer they got, the wetter they became.
"It's been a grind, obviously, two-a-days always is," Sherman said. "Anything like that, when they can be kids again, and have some fun, I think is important for the chemistry."
Senior defensive back Arkeith Brown was able to get cornerbacks coach Charles McMillian wet, while senior linebacker Johnathan Haynes missed Sherman -- maybe by design.
"They tried, it didn't work," Sherman said. "I'm too quick on my feet -- [actually, I'm] too quick in my head, more than my feet."
The players were soaked, but laughing as they headed to the locker room, which was a complete turnaround from Monday when Sherman ended practice early because of a lack of focus.
"Humor is one of the greatest components of having great chemistry when you can laugh at things together," Sherman said. "They had a lot of laughs out there having fun with each other."
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The skinny: A&M worked out for about 21/2 hours in full pads on the practice field in the morning, then had a closed walk-through in the afternoon.
The defense had a solid effort Wednesday morning after giving up several long runs Tuesday.
"I thought our defense stepped up and practiced a lot better today," Sherman said. "[They were] more physical. I thought they did a good job of wrapping up. I thought they had the upper hand on the offense today, which is normally how it goes in two-a-days. One day the offense does well, [and] you compliment them, then the defense comes out the next day and does better. And visa versa, back and forth."
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Right and left: Sherman doesn't flop his offensive line like several teams do, putting the same guard and tackle to the wide side, leaving the other guard and tackle on the side closest to a sideline. He goes with a left guard and tackle, and right guard and tackle.
"[My philosophy] is a right guard has certain footwork and techniques that a left guard doesn't necessarily have, " Sherman said. "You have to change your stance. I just think it's very difficult to go from a right-handed stance to a left-handed stance in the context of the game."
Sherman said it's also vital in pass protection, working with the tackles.
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Next up: The final fall scrimmage will be 6 p.m. Thursday at Kyle Field -- weather permitting -- and is open to current A&M students, former students (wearing an Aggie ring) and A&M faculty or staff with a current ID.
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lnjury update: Junior wide receiver E.J. Shankle missed contact drills with a strained Achilles. Others not hitting were junior offensive lineman Vincent Williams, senior fullback Jorvorskie Lane, senior cornerback Danny Gorrer and junior running back Keondra Smith.
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McGee looking good: McGee had another solid practice throwing, completing a few passes to fellow quarterbacks Johnson and redshirt freshman Ryan Tannehill, who continue to get more practice at receiver.
"Stephen is a great competitor," Sherman said. "He's very knowledgeable. He's coming out of more of a run-oriented offense and he's adapted very well to our offense. We're still going to run the ball. He's adapted well to the terminology, which is extensive, and the volume of the offense. He has a great grasp of our offense and I expect great things out of him."
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Posted by: Pabster On: 8/24/2008
Comment Title: Coach Fran got what was coming to him.. On with Sherman!
Byrne gave Fran the chance and Fran blew it plain and simple. He lost me with that dumb newsletter and when he allowed comments about key players to be leaked out. Miller58, it may be true that A&M has slipped a bit from a national power they were in the 90's, but THAT is exactly why he was selected. Sherman will build a winner and everybody knows A&M fans love a winner and will come out in droves to show support, look at what Billy G did for basketball! I have my game tickets for next week and will be driving up 2 hours to get to Aggieland by 12pm for tailgateing.. WHOOP!!
Posted by: Darryl On: 8/22/2008
Comment Title: Orangecurtainag
Miller58 nice to see you went from complaining to realizing that all Coach Sherm was doing was trying to lighten the guys load and have some fun. I am not a graduate but I support the aggies financially and fanatically. So don't try to tell me I can't support the ags because I did not graduate from OUR fine school.
Posted by: On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title:
Water balloon fight. That is funny! Be ready just incase the other team calls a "red balloon-right end " play. Don't throw until you see the whites of their eyes. Watch out! He has a balloon and he's not afraid to use it! You guys need umbrellas instead of pads. LMAO
Posted by: Aggie11 On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title: RE
Hey whorn not sure if they did I know Ricky did on the cover of SI..I own texags staff
Posted by: On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title: GoHorns
I wonder if they played dress-up afterwards...
Posted by: AG92 On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title: Gig 'Em Aggies
Miller58, I hope you are not a graduate of my fine alma mater. I am embarrassed for you. Good Luck to Coach Sherman and the Fightin' Texas Aggies!
Posted by: Darryl On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title: orangecurtainag
Miller58 grow up
Posted by: miller58 On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title:
Sherman should concentrate on winning games not water balloon fights. Recruiting is what counts!
Posted by: maroonblood On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title: Brilliant!
a water balloon fight. thats awesome! and exactly what a team needs to relax going into a game week.
Posted by: On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title:
The only thing that matters takes place on the field during the game everything else is smack talk...
Posted by: RealDeal On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title: Beat You Down
miller, your mindless chatter is dumb. I hope someone stumbles upon you in the public library as you key another entry into your complete waste of space archives.
Posted by: miler58 On: 8/21/2008
Comment Title: "Raw Deal"
My personal opinions: In a national publication, it said "Division 1 coaches will think twice when A&M comes calling, after the raw deal coach Fran got". Byrne's distrctions andSherman also cost A&M games on the field and a huge two year gap in recruiting, with first all the double digit decommits last year, and no five star and only 4 four star recruits in the current class. miller58
