Practice Report: Tulsa
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Thursday, August 18, 2011
8/18/11 at 5:45 AM
Related Story: TU's Carter ready to fill Clay's shoes at H-back
Position update: Placekicker
Senior Kevin Fitzpatrick has locked in on the placekicker spot for Tulsa's football team.
Fitzpatrick ranks seventh all-time at the school for field goals made (30) and 10th for career points scored (203). With a good season, he could become Tulsa's all-time leading scorer. Former kicker Jarod Tracy owns the mark with 286 points.
Fitzpatrick is 30-of-40 over his career, connecting on a game-winning 27-yard field goal in the 28-27 win over Notre Dame last year. He also tied a career best with a 4-for-4 performance in a victory over Bowling Green.
Fitzpatrick also is expected to handle kickoff duties this season.
TU has worked out walk-on placekicker Chad Levin from Bentonville, Ark., during fall camp. Redshirt freshman Marshall Gilbert - one of three players (Alec Henry, Jonathan Chavira) expected to rejoin the team when school resumes Monday - also provides depth at the position.
News and notes
Another two-a-day: Tulsa spent Wednesday morning and afternoon on Harwell Field.
It is the second of three scheduled "two-a-day" practices for the Golden Hurricane during fall camp. The final one will be on Friday.
Defensive coordinator Brent Guy played at Oklahoma State from 1980-82. He was asked about "two-a-day" practices held three decades ago.
"It's a lot different because they've changed the rules dramatically," Guy said. "We had all padded practices. There was no day off when I played and you would have two-a-day, two-a-day, two-a-day until you got done.
"I think what we do here is smarter now with the way we acclimate them to the heat ... We have to be careful with them with the heat index we have."
Still improving: Guy was asked if Tulsa's defense is where he expected at this point of fall camp.
"We didn't play well in that (Tuesday) scrimmage," Guy said. "We didn't create a lot of plays, we didn't play physical. We were disappointed in that."
The offense and defense worked out against scout teams on Wednesday to begin preparations for upcoming opponents.
"We were tired of hitting each other and tired of practicing against our offense and playing the same style of play" Guy said. "We lined up in a couple of things that we have never done."
Making the change: Joe King made the switch from the offensive line to defensive tackle on Wednesday.
"We need another big body in there," Guy said. "Joe is a big body and wanted to have a chance to do that. We're thin there ... we have freshmen there in the two-deep.
"If we can get a 300-pound body that can help us, hold a gap and hold a double team, he can make us a lot better and help the team win. We just want guys that can help us get better."
Game change: The start time for Tulsa's trip to UTEP on Nov. 19 has changed.
TU will play the Miners at 2 p.m., five hours earlier than originally scheduled. The game has not officially been picked up locally for television, but will be shown in the El Paso market.
Time for luncheon: The Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce Golden Hurricane Kickoff luncheon will be held at noon Thursday at the Convention Center. The annual event introduces the team and coaches to the community.
Opponent watch: UTEP
Miners coach Mike Price named transfer Nick Lamaison as the team's opening-day quarterback on Tuesday.
The transfer from Mt. San Antonio (California) College began his career at Tennessee. He will play in UTEP's opening game against Stony Brook.
"I think he's the best," Price told the El Paso Times. "He throws a crisp ball, an accurate ball. He takes care of the football, he makes good decisions.
"I've thought for a while Nick Lamaison is the guy. I wanted to see how he would be in the summer leading. It's hard when you have junior college players coming in, but Nick jumped right in and did it."
Lamaison takes the place of four-year starter Trevor Vittatoe.
2011 schedule
Sept. 3: at Oklahoma (FX-35) 7 p.m.
Sept. 10: at Tulane (CST-269) 2:30 p.m.
Sept. 17: Oklahoma St. (FSOK-27) 9 p.m.
Sept. 24: at Boise St. (CBSSN-249) 7 p.m.
Oct. 1: North Texas 6 p.m.
Oct. 15: UAB (CBSSN-249) 7 p.m.
Oct. 22: at Rice (FSOK-27) TBA
Oct. 29: SMU (FSOK-27) 2:30 p.m.
Nov. 3: at UCF (CBSSN-249) 7 p.m.
Nov. 12: Marshall (FSOK-27) TBA
Nov. 19: at UTEP 2 p.m.
Nov. 25: Houston (FSOK-27) 11 a.m.
