B-CU Football Endures Heat, Rain in Wednesday Workout

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman Football continued spring practice on Wednesday afternoon, as the Wildcats worked out at Municipal Stadium in a humid and warm – mixed with periods of rolling showers – Daytona Beach, Florida.

Under the watchful eye of Head Coach Terry Sims – recently completing his third season at the helm of the Wildcats program in Daytona Beach, the Wildcats endured temperatures in the mid-80s on Wednesday. There was no wind at all, adding to the heat range and feeling of humidity for the Cats. Rain came down at the beginning of practice mixed with sunshine, but would stop after just two of the 26-period practice session. The remainder of practice saw sunny skies with no shade whatsoever at Larry Kelly Field.

"Calm down and see it," calmly expressed Offensive Coordinator Allen Suber.

That summed up the majority of the day's practice on the offensive side of the ball as he spoke with quarterback Jabari Dunham during that exchange of words.

Rotating between Dunham and redshirt junior Akevious Williams under center, the signal callers were asked to see the play happen and make the reads quickly during 7-on-7 action. The quarterback duo made solid performances with downfield passes and short passes out of the backfield to the running backs. But it was the way the two read the defense before making the play that Suber harked upon to his backfield tandem.

"Calm down. See what they're giving you. Go through your progressions. But do it on the rhythm we work on every time. Ok?"

Those were the words from the second-year offensive coordinator that was a standout and All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) quarterback of his own rights for the Maroon and Gold back in 2002 and '03.

However, it was the defense that moved at a faster pace on this day.

Darrin Hayes, the defensive backs assistant coach, was heard screaming, "That's it" to his players after making the interception or deflection on passes from Dunham and/or Williams, respectfully.

Aside from a perfect pass to the back of the end zone from Dunham to a streaking Anthony Cruz, the defense stole the day's practice session. The cornerbacks, watched by Assistant Coach Terry Williams, as well as the safeties with Assistant Coach Hayes were in position to make the play(s) for the majority of the eight-period 7-on-7 drills.

The running backs, led by Assistant Coach Carl Franks, came out of the backfield quickly, including a big burst from Tupac Isme on one delayed handoff from Dunham that caught the defense unaware.

"It was a defensive effort today," said Terry Sims afterwards. "As a defensive guy, I love when they are in sync with each other as a unit. I know the offense will get there quickly. I have no doubts about that. But it's always good to see the defense moving at a faster pace, collectively."

Bethune-Cookman continues preparation for its first scrimmage of the spring scheduled for Saturday, April 7, at Municipal Stadium. This scrimmage will be closed to the public.

Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).