Ogden » Cameron Higgins continued to impress Weber State coach Ron McBride on the last day of two-a-day practices Friday. In the morning session, which focused on the running game, Higgins looked sharp and read the defense well in different situations.

“Higgins did a great job managing the offense,” McBride said. “Even when things went wrong, he kept his composure.”

The coaching staff focused on creating first-down situations and challenged the offense to get to second-and-6 or less with the run game. The defense was challenged to not allow the ball to advance more than three yards.

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The Wildcats ran 23 plays in the red zone and ran a drill in which they re-enacted the last four minutes of a game.

“We’re trying to put them in game-like situations,” McBride said. “And forcing them to do something extra. We’re putting on emphasis on the fact that we got to make plays.”

Besides Higgins, true freshman Josh Booker was also impressive, showing he deserves some playing time behind All-Big Sky running back Trevyn Smith .

The Wildcats focused on the passing game in the afternoon practice, giving some unproven players a few more reps before the last scrimmage of fall camp, which is today at 11 a.m at Stewart Stadium.

Smith ready to defend title

Heading into his senior season, Smith knows what his responsibilities are.

A preseason all-conference selection, Smith has led the Big Sky Conference in rushing the previous three seasons, and many expect the same kind of performance this season.

Last season was his best after he rushed for 1,585 yards and 21 touchdowns.

“Absolutely, it’s a lot of pressure,” Smith said. “A lot of hard work has been put in over the summer. But no matter what, the goal is to win and my personal goals will come with that. We’re all working together, and that will take care of itself.”

And it all starts with Weber State’s first game against Wyoming on Sept. 5.

“It’s one of the most important games because we want to get off to a good start,” Smith said. “We want to let everyone know what Weber State football is about.”

By Maggie Thach
Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/wsuwildcats/ci_13179701