Fresno State holds second scrimmage of spring football

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State football team held its second scrimmage of the spring, and 11th overall practice, Saturday morning at Bulldog Stadium. The team worked through warm-ups and individual drills in the rain before it gave way to overcast conditions for a 68-play scrimmage in front of local high school coaches that were on campus for a clinic held by the Bulldogs' staff.

Quarterback Jorge Reyna had a steller day in terms of filling the stat sheet, connecting on three touchdown passes, running the second-team offense. The redshirt junior connected with junior wide receiver Derrion Grim for a 43-yard strike, senior wide receiver Anthony Grayson, Jr. from 18 yards-out and to sophomore running back Romello Harris for a three-yard score in several situations starting 35 yards away from the end zone or more.

Senior quarterback Marcus McMaryion found senior wide receiver Namani Parker on right side of the end zone, fitting in a 35-yard pass, for one score on the day. The Bulldogs' starter that went 9-2 last season also fell victim to one interception when playing against the one-defense when senior cornerback Anthoula Kelly forced what was the first turnover of the day. There were two interceptions overall, with the other made by sophomore defensive back Kenny Gagnon picking one off in the end zone from an attempt by redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Lindquist.

Gingold and Thompson speak
On Friday it was made official that Lucus Gingold and Kenwick Thompson were on staff, filling out the ninth and 10th on-field assistant coaching roles. Gingold will assist Coach Christian with the running backs and special teams while Thompson will lead the linebackers (vacated by Bert Watts).

Said Thompson after practice about being at Fresno State, "It's been good. The guys work really hard. Coach Tedford's done an outstanding job setting the tempo and standard, so you can tell the guys are working hard.

"Knowing coach, and having the experience with him, I know the expectation and how coach works so that was a positive. Anytime you have an opportunity to work with someone that sets a high standard and is really clear with what he wants from you is always a good thing."

Thompson continued on what the Red Wave can expect from him.

"Guys playing hard, being physical, playing with extreme effort, playing smart, and that tough mindset and mentality that Fresno state is known for. And also that same standard that coach requires."

Gingold, already a two-year veteran on the Bulldogs' staff as a quality control coach, does not have the catch up like Thompson does in terms of learning the nuances of the players and staff, but shared his excitement about being a young coach moving up the ranks and taking on more responsibility.

"It's amazing," said Gingold. "I grew up five miles from this stadium, played for Coach Tedford at Cal, I have a lot of family that live in the area that went to Fresno State; so it's a pretty indescribable feeling and it's a great opportunity for me."

His role on the field will not see much change, but the newest challenge ahead lies in recruiting.

"My recruiting area is the Clovis schools, and parts of the Central Coast," said Gingold. "That's going to be new for me. I'm really excited to take on that and hit the road and look for some future Bulldogs.

"I think a lot about fit when I think about my coaching career and this is perfect fit. Growing up in the Valley, playing football in the Valley, we have a lot of kids on the team that are from the Valley, that just makes it really meaningful to me and I love being here, it's a pretty special opportunity."

One more week
The Bulldogs have just one week remaining of spring football albeit a busy one. Fresno State will be back to work for a trio of practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday (practices 12-14) before hosting a public practice on Saturday, April 14.

The 2018 Spring Preview will began at 10:30 a.m. and run until approximately 12:50 p.m. Admission and parking will be free.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160

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Fresno State holds second scrimmage of spring football

Players Mentioned

Kenny Gagnon

Anthony Grayson Jr.

Derrion Grim

Romello Harris

Anthoula Kelly

Marcus McMaryion

Namani Parker

Jorge Reyna

Fresno State Athletics