Tulane returns to Yulman Stadium for spring practice, ready to host Pro Day on Tuesday

Tulane to play host to Pro Day on Tuesday

NEW ORLEANS – Although the Tulane University football team returned to the practice field for the first time since the team broke camp for spring break, the conditions at Yulman Stadium appeared to be very spring-break like, as temperatures reached the low 80’s on Monday during day eight of #springball.

Despite being away from the practice field for over a week, the Green Wave once again showed tremendous energy on the practice field, which served as a great birthday present for head coach Willie Fritz

“After being gone for a week, it’s been fun to be back out again,” Fritz said. “I feel like we are getting better and it is fun to watch the process and to watch these guys everyday has been a lot of fun.”

Fritz has been especially pleased with the progression of quarterback Jonathan Banks, who has continued to improve each day. The senior signal-caller continued his sharp passing, hitting a number of deep patterns, while showcasing a strong arm in each of his throws.

“We thought six out of the seven practices before spring break were really good (for Jonathan Banks) and I think he had a good one today,” Fritz said. “For us to make that step forward we have to have him be an upper echelon quarterback and we really feel like he can do that. He has a lot of ability and we are starting to pass protect a little better and we are giving him a little bit of time. He’s got an opportunity to be a really special quarterback in this league.”

With eight practices into spring camp, Banks has continued his “all gas no breaks” attitude to spring practice. It is this attitude, which he believes will help him build off his 2017 campaign where he posted over 2,300 total yards and 19 total touchdowns in 11 games.

“It’s practice repetition, game repetition and I have a year under my belt with the offense, so I’m able to go through my reads and play with confidence,” Banks said. “I know the playbook back and forth. As long as you know the playbook like that you can always play with confidence.”

Banks attributes much of his progression to the growth of the defensive line.

“As far as the team goes, they are coming along well both offensively and defensively,” Banks said. “The defense is giving us good looks and they are playing with energy, so they are pushing us to be better. We got a lot of people who are returning back, so we just have to make sure that we put in extra work and just keep our connection.”

Sophomore Cameron Sample has been one of the many defensive players that have given Banks several good looks so far this fall. He is also someone, who Fritz has a strong belief in coming into his sophomore season.

“He is smart,” Fritz said. “You only have to tell him things once. He is a great student and he is what we call a Tulane guy – he checks all the boxes.”

As a true freshman in 2017, Sample made an immediate impact for the Green Wave, seeing action in 11 games and totaling 26 tackles.

“We think he has an opportunity to be a great player,” Fritz said. “There has been a lot of great defensive lineman around here and we feel he has an opportunity to be another one of those guys. He has great movement, great speed, good motor on him, a very intelligent football player and he has good size. He is only going to get bigger and better. He’s got a chance to be a great one – he really does.”

Sample, who prides himself on his quickness, also totaled a pair of tackles for loss. The Snellville, Ga., native also has high hopes for the Green Wave defensive line this season.

“We got a good bit of people returning – some new guys – but I feel like Coach (Kevin) Peoples and Coach (Jack) Curtis are definitely leaning us in the right direction. I feel like the sky is the limit once we get everything down.”

Tulane football returns to action at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Facility tomorrow afternoon where eight former Green Wave football players will showcase their skills during the team’s annual Pro Day.

The Green Wave open the 2018 season on Thursday, August 30 at home against Wake Forest.

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REMAINING SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, April 3 (Pro Day – New Orleans Saints Facility), 1 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 8:30 a.m.
Friday, April 6, 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 7, 8:30 a.m.
Monday, April 9, 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 11, 8:30 a.m.
Friday, April 13, 8:30 a.m.

SPRING GAME
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Yulman Stadium

—–

Head Coach Willie Fritz

On returning to the practice field…

“After being gone for a week, it’s been fun to be back out again. I feel like we are getting better and it is fun to watch the process and to watch these guys everyday has been a lot of fun.”

On the performance of Jonathan Banks…

“We thought six out of the seven practices before spring break were really good (for Jonathan Banks) and I think he had a good one today. For us to make that step forward we have to have him be an upper echelon quarterback and we really feel like he can do that. He has a lot of ability and we are starting to pass protect a little better and we are giving him a little bit of time. He’s got an opportunity to be a really special quarterback in this league.”

On what the next level is for Banks…

“I just think it’s just having command of the offense, understanding when to run, get the first down, get out of bounds, we’re going to work on sliding in these next seven practices.”

On Cameron Sample…

“We think he has an opportunity to be a great player. There has been a lot of great defensive lineman around here and we feel he has an opportunity to be another one of those guys. He has great movement, great speed, good motor on him, a very intelligent football player and he has good size. He is only going to get bigger and better. He’s got a chance to be a great one – he really does.”

“He is smart. You only have to tell him things once. He is a great student and he is what we call a Tulane guy – he checks all the boxes.”

Listen to the complete Fritz transcript

Senior Quarterback Jonathan Banks

On the team’s progression…

“As far as the team goes, they are coming along well both offensively and defensively. The defense is giving us good looks and they are playing with energy, so they are pushing us to be better. We got a lot of people who are returning back, so we just have to make sure that we put in extra work and just keep our connection.”

On his comfort level in every throw…

“It’s practice repetition, game repetition and I have a year under my belt with the offense, so I’m able to go through my reads and play with confidence. I know the playbook back and forth. As long as you know the playbook like that you can always play with confidence.”

On Coach Fritz’s birthday…

“I actually texted him this morning.”

Listen to the complete Banks transcript

Sophomore Defensive Lineman Cameron Sample

On his freshman season…

“I feel like I had a pretty good year. I feel like I can improve on more and be more comfortable in the system and get more experience picking up things faster.”

On what his best strengths are…

“I feel like I am really twitchy, so I am good with quick movements and I’m getting really good with my hands, so I can control the offensive linemen.”

On what the biggest adjustment was for him as a freshman…

“Just picking up on the speed of the game. Everyone talks about it, but it’s one thing being in there seeing how fast offensive lineman can move compared to high school.”

On the defensive line…

“We got a good bit of people returning – some new guys – but I feel like Coach Peoples and Coach Curtis are definitely leaning us in the right direction. I feel like the sky is the limit once we get everything down.”

Listen to the complete Sample transcript