What’s up Wildcat Fans. HailWildcats.com is back at it for the 2024 season, and it’s gonna be a great one

Sure, we’ve been quiet lately laying low, taking in all the off-season news, and waiting for the right moment to add our twenty-five cents to the jukebox. Well, consider the quarter inserted. We’re excited to bring you in-depth Wildcats coverage all season long.

To kick things off, here’s a recap of the Wildcats’ first scrimmage, courtesy of Bryan Harvey, BCU’s Assistant Sports Information Director.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman Football went 17 periods in blistering heat Friday afternoon as the Wildcats held their first scrimmage of Fall Camp at John L. Bryan Sr. Practice Field.

Second-year head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. watched his team participate in the first live scrimmage of #CatsCamp 2024 with the team working out in temperatures hovering in the low-90s, humidity at 64 percent, and winds out of the south southwest at seven miles per hour.

“Going into year two, it seems like the guys know what to expect,” expressed Woodie afterwards. “You can tell by them coming out executing the way they did today. I saw some good things from the group.”

Offensively, the Wildcats used a trio of quarterbacks getting reps with the first- and second team groups. Luke Sprague had several nice touches of the ball to receivers through the air. Meanwhile, running back Dennis Palmer, a freshman from Jensen Beach, Florida, had several good runs, including a 10-yarder on the right side for a score.

“I’m excited to get in and watch the film because I did see some things on defense that we need to clean up,” continued Woodie. “Defensively, there were some missed tackles. We have to wrap-up. Those are the things we talk about all the time. Technique. Fundamentals. Details.”

Also present for the scrimmage were officials from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). They were able to instruct the players and coaches about rule changes, as well as assisting with down and distance on drives.

“I always want to educate these players about the nuances of what they’re going to face,” stated Woodie. “It’s always good to have SWAC referees around to say what they’re looking for. It just helps the overall knowledge of the game.”

Additionally, on the defensive side of the ball, the defensive backs had several good breaks on the ball through the air. The linebackers were good in pass-rush, getting into the backfield a number of times for quarterback sacks.

“Raymond [Woodie III] is a guy that’s a leader on the defensive side of the ball,” added Woodie. “He speaks, and the defense listens. Also, a guy like Adrian Hall, as he is starting to demand respect with what they say and how they say it – and the team follows.

After the scrimmage, Woodie talked about the biggest improvements he has seen from the beginning of fall camp last week to the first scrimmage on Friday afternoon.

“It’s just doing the little things right,” remarked Woodie. “With these guys, it’s all about discipline. We don’t have any off-the-field distractions, and that’s a big step. If you do the little things right off the field, then the bigger things on the field will come natural to you.”