New coach Aaron Best, Eastern Washington ready for first spring football scrimmage
This is Aaron Best’s team now, although he doesn’t think of it that way.
“Let’s just say it’s not mine, it’s Eastern’s team – one individual isn’t bigger than the program,” Best said before a recent practice.
Still, Best is making his mark on the program he took over three months ago from Beau Baldwin. The former offensive line coach is all over the field, overseeing five new coaches as well as 85 players.
The difference is palpable: Spring practices are faster-paced and more physical than most players can remember.
“We’ve definitely seen the changes,” junior linebacker Alek Kacmarcik said. “We’re stressing physicality and getting things done faster.”
That dovetails nicely with Best’s emphasis on the running game and better offensive balance.
A more-physical offense also will toughen the defense, said Kacmarcik, who hopes the defense will benefit when it faces North Dakota State in the home opener on Sept. 9.
“That definitely makes the defense tougher and hopefully that will pay off in the long run,” Kacmarcik said.
Style has changed along with substance. Kacmarcik said that Best is “definitely a little more in your face” than Baldwin, but also “exuberant all of the time instead of part of the time.”
Expect more exuberance on Saturday at about 10:45 a.m., when Best presides over his first scrimmage at Roos Field. Until then, he’s not jumping to conclusions.
“I don’t want to get surprised too early,” Best said. “It reminds me of when I first met my wife … I don’t want to get too giddy too early.”
Best expects the Eagles will use the scrimmage for some situational aspects, but mostly will give the offense opportunities to try to drive the ball downfield.
Eastern will also use special teams in a more game-like manner than in past spring scrimmages.
Positional battles will be put into high relief all over the field. Several players are contending for bigger roles especially at wide receiver, running back and in the secondary.
“We’re still in transition – it’s always evolving,” Best said. “It’s one of those things where you look forward to getting the opportunity, and then here is the opportunity.”
“It’s spring and you’re not supposed to be in the fall mindset yet. Our team has done a really good job thus far,” Best said.
The scrimmage is open to the public.
Eastern will also scrimmage next Saturday, then close spring practices with the annual Red-White Game on April 29 at 2 p.m.