Second-year football head coach Willie Taggart said the mood was “like Christmas” after the Owls completed their first preseason practice on Friday.
Taggart said most players on the team were working themselves back into football shape, but that he was pleased overall.
“Everybody’s excited. . . The energy was good for everyone. We got some good work in,” Taggart said.
Taggart particularly singled out the returning presence of senior linebacker Akileis Leroy, who sat out the entirety of last season. “He’s had a big impression on this entire football team, all these guys were excited and happy for him to be back, not just the defense but the offense as well,” he said.