Weber State football: McBride has great expectations as Wildcats' camp begins

Weber State coach Ron McBride has been bored lately, and that can mean only one thing.

It's time to start football camp.

McBride will open his fourth Weber State fall camp today, and with greater expectations than the program has had in several years. McBride took a late summer vacation to Southern California with his family last week, and he said he couldn't wait to get back home and start working.

"You kind of feel like your body is telling you you're wasting time until you start practice," McBride said.

One of the reasons why McBride is ready to start is because he knows his team has a chance to be special this season. The Wildcats return 15 starters, 12 of whom earned All-Big Sky honors last season. Weber State brings back two-time Big Sky rushing champion in Trevyn Smith, last year's Division FCS leader in all-purpose yards in Bryant Eteuati, and an experienced quarterback in Cameron Higgins.

In addition to the returning players, McBride is excited because the Wildcats made great strides in the weight room. He highlighted players such as fullback Marcus Mailei and linebacker J.D. Folsom as guys who put in their share of time improving their strength and speed.

"Overall, they did a real good job," McBride said. "We're a stronger football team."

The Wildcats will begin camp with split-squad morning workouts today, Saturday and Monday. They'll start working out in helmets and shoulder pads on Tuesday. Scrimmages will be held on Aug. 9, 13 and 16.

Weber State's first practice in full gear is on Wednesday, and two-a-days begin next Friday.

Eteuati said he isn't completely excited for the long, hot days of fall camp. But he said they are necessary to help the Wildcats reach their goals this season.

"Our team goal is to win, and to win the Big Sky," Eteuati said. "We have a good chance because we have a lot of good returning players.

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