UNCP's preparations extend beyond gridiron
By Michael N. Graff
Staff writer
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Staff photo by David Smith
UNC-Pembroke players run through agility drills Friday afternoon during the team's first practice of the season.
PEMBROKE -- A year ago, Dewayne James was a student at Fayetteville Technical Community College, a school with no football team.
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The Seventy-First High School graduate had struggled during his freshman year at Elizabeth City State, and when his grade point average dipped below 2.0, he decided to come home and make an academic rebound.
With his grades in order, and many good playing days still ahead of him, the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman transferred to UNC-Pembroke last spring.
Ready for a new beginning with a new program, James on Friday was one of 116 players participating in the Braves' opening practice, only 28 days away from the first UNC-Pembroke football game in 56 years.
James, like the rest of the Braves, can't believe the season is finally within reach.
"I didn't think it would ever come around. We used to check on the Internet," James said, referring to the countdown clock posted on the athletic department Web site. "And it was moving slow."
There are dozens of stories similar to James' out on the Braves' practice field, where a wide range of personalities and abilities are being melded together by coach Pete Shinnick and his staff as they attempt to build a base for this long-dormant program.
That's why the opening of camp includes more than football.
After a three-hour workout under a sizzling sun Friday afternoon, the players were sent home to shower and eat, before they had to meet again for an informational session on nutrition.
Other noncontact sessions this weekend include one on drugs and alcohol, and Fayetteville Guard quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen will deliver a speech on sex and abstinence.
"We know we're getting ready to play a game," Shinnick said. "But the most important thing is these guys believe in each other, encourage each other and support each other."
For some of the Braves, this is the second fall practice. About 120 showed up last August. By the end of spring practice, that number was down to about 80.
About 55 of the players reporting Friday had participated in the spring workouts, meaning there were more newcomers than returners.
"That's (55) leaders, then," quarterback Matt Evans said.
One of those who didn't return was Jimmie Bellamy, who was second on the depth chart at quarterback after spring ball. He told Shinnick earlier this week a knee injury hadn't fully healed.
The Braves have six quarterbacks in camp. Two will redshirt, Shinnick said. Evans is listed as the starter. Among the other three is Gray's Creek graduate Blake Smith.
Most of the other players who had successful springs were back, including South View graduates Brandon McLaurin, one of the top running backs on the team, and Josh Throckmorton, a tight end.
The Braves will practice without pads the rest of the weekend, then have media day Monday, before starting two-a-day workouts with pads Tuesday.
"It's necessary," defensive back Trent Caldwell said of starting the long days of camp. "You get tired. But it's necessary if you want to win."
Staff writer Michael N. Graff can be reached at
[email protected] or 486-3591.
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