Football Practice Report #1

MARS HILL, N.C. – During the first days of fall camp for the Mars Hill football team, the eyes of the head Lion have paid special attention to those wearing the Blue and Gold for the first time.

"At this point in camp, we're trying to find new guys among freshman and transfers that can help us," head coach Tim Clifton said following Monday afternoon's practice on the turf of Meares Stadium and Ammons Family Athletic Center. "It's an ongoing evaluation process."

Clifton has been impressed by a quartet of seniors in offensive lineman Nick Allison, wide receiver Dimitri Holmes, linebacker Jasper Mason and defensive lineman Johnny Maxey. All four players received preseason All-SAC honors.

"Nick has had a good camp on field and in a leadership role," Clifton said of the preseason first team All-SAC pick. "Dimiti has been good and continues to establish himself as one of the top players in the league."

"Jasper missed most of last season but he's returned and has given us a foundation at the linebacker position," Clifton said. "Johnny had a really good day today (Monday) and has had a solid camp."

According to Clifton, both the offensive and defensive units have had their strong days. "Each day a different group has won a challenge, we're making progress in different areas each day. I don't feel like one part of our team is a lot further ahead of the other," Clifton said. "For the remainder of camp we need to find competition at every position."  

Mars Hill will practice daily for the remainder of the week and will hold an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday at 9 a.m.