Hillsdale's Holmes starting to see some success at Cowboys' Camp

As former Hillsdale College receiver Andre Holmes tries to secure a spot on the 53 man roster of the Dallas Cowboys, he is learning a lot about the NFL and starting to see some success as well.

It's been a rough start to camp as Holmes failed the team's initial conditioning test and had to complete catch-up work before being allowed to practice and challenge for the team's third receiver spot. Once completed, the wide-out returned to the practice field but struggled to make catches.

 Hopefully he was able to tune out the noise and not read the immense amount of press coverage reporting every step of Cowboys' camp.

Thursday was a better day both for Holmes and the news cycle. He made two nice catches in two-minute drill work, one where he extended his body for a jump ball. That had been a criticism, that he wasn't using his size advantage as the team's tallest receiver. He also showed a new level of intensity according to reporters.

“I know I’m going to make those plays all the time,” Holmes said. “I was just a little more fired up today. That’s what I’m going to be doing every day. I’m not going to miss those plays.”

Soggy Start to the Pre-Season for Hillsdale College Football

After a brutally hot summer, well in Midwestern terms anyway, the Hillsdale College Football team was greeted to rain and cool temperatures on its return to campus Thursday.

That weather pattern is expected to continue today with highs only in the 60's and possible spotty thunderstorms all day.

It sounds like a good day to go through all of the administrative loose ends like player physicals and other tasks synonymous with the opening of camp.

Hillsdale knows better than to mess with Mother Nature and thunder. Five years ago, trainer Dave Frisby was struck by lightning during early training camp...and he was even standing inside Jesse Phillips Arena by an open door overlooking the stadium. Luckily his injuries were very minor and he returned to work after a short hospital visit.

Hillsdale opens the 2012 season in 20 days at California, PA on Thursday August 30 at 5:00 PM.

Hillsdale Daily News: Mifsud, Glendening, and White return to potent Hillsdale offense

By Ryan Czachorski, Sports Editor, @czach1r

Hillsdale Daily News

HILLSDALE — With Harlon Hill finalist Joe Glendening, quarterback Anthony Mifsud and H-Back Cam White returning, most of the major questions about the Hillsdale offense have been answered.
But like with most areas on a football team, Head Coach Keith Otterbein still sees some uncertain issues.

"Those givens, those known entities are there," he said. "We're a little more at ease, but still enough question marks."

Perhaps the biggest hole left on the offense was by a defensive player: Nick Hixson. The senior defensive back played slot wide receiver on third down last year as well. He caught 25 passes for 389 yards and two touchdowns, and Otterbein said all but two of those catches were for first downs.

"To be a good offense, you got to keep the chains moving," he said. "You graduate that chunk. Andrew Mott will have to step up and be that guy."

Joining Mott in the wide receiving corps are Evan Bach, Evan Sassack and Lou Cangelosi. Otterbein also mentioned redshirt freshmen John Haley and Nick Chapel as players who could see playing time and add a vertical dimension to the offense.

Full Story

Hillsdale Daily News: Otterbein Says Chargers will take "Our Shot at the Championship"

By Ryan Czachorski, Sports Editor, @czach1r

Hillsdale Daily News

HILLSDALE — Keith Otterbein spent the early part of Tuesday afternoon folding “Otter’s Army” t-shirts in his office.

 In one week, those moments will be packed with practices, gameplans and preparation for the upcoming season. With the team reporting Thursday, Hillsdale College’s head football coach is trying to use this time to take care of the little things — while sneaking in a Monday round of golf with head basketball coach John Tharp.

“It's pretty smooth,” Otterbein said. “Trying to relax a little bit is part of it. There's a buildup in anticipation.”

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Jared Veldheer talks to SBNation.net about Raiders Camp

Hillsdale College alum and Oakland Raider Jared Veldheer talks about the start to training camp 2012.

Hillsdale's Cam White prepares for the 2012 Season

Here is a glimpse of Cam White, Hillsdale College's pre-season All-American H-Back training in 100+ degree heat at Jared Veldheer and Mark Ehnis' training facility Power Strength Training Systems in Grand Rapids.

Jared Veldheer's Respect the Game Football Camp, July 17th

Jared Veldheer will be hosting his "Respect the Game" Football Camp on July 17th in Grand Rapids.