by Malcolm Butler
Louisiana Tech used a 17-period, two-hour workout Thursday morning to open official fall workout as head coach Sonny Cumbie and Co. pushed through hot, humid temperatures on the practice fields at the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex.
Following the session, much of the questions from local media surrounded the development of transfer quarterback Hank Bachmeier in the Louisiana Tech offensive system.
Backmeier, who played his first four years on the blue turf at Boise State, donned the red No. 19 practice jersey and looked comfortable running the Tech offense, especially on practice day No. 1.
“I think now (Hank) is working on rhythm, consistency, drops, the progressions throughout the offense,” said Cumbie. “I think he is also fine tuning his relationship throwing the football with the receivers. I think he picked up exactly where he left off in the spring if not better. And that’s the point of why we do what we do in the summer … so when we start fall camp we are better. And he was.
“There were a few reads that you would have liked to have seen done differently, but otherwise, he threw the ball really well. He put the ball in position for guys to make plays. I think he handled the first day well.”
Bachmeier was asked what his personal goals were for Thursday’s session.
“Just do your job on every single play,” said Bachmeier. “Get the signal, communicate it to the O-line … what is your progression. Overall, just the pre-snap operation. Make sure that is good. Do my job post-snap.
“It’s nice to come back out again. Build camaraderie with the guys. I have relationships now with the guys. Keep working on the chemistry with the routes and the plays. It’s the first time we’ve gone 11 on 11 in a long time. It was nice to get back to it.”
Bachmeier appeared to have a nice touch on the deep ball while also firing strikes on shorter routes throughout the team periods.
Not only does the graduate transfer seem to be developing a chemistry with his teammates, but he and Cumbie seem to be a mutually respective rapport.
“(Coach Cumbie) is extremely passionate,” said Bachmeier when asked about the second year Bulldog head coach. “Take football away from the equation, he is one of the best human beings in this business that I have been around which you don’t really see often in a head coach. How low ego he is and how great of a human being he is. I haven’t seen that personally in a long time.
“For him to be that type of person is huge. And then as far as football, he is extremely passionate, extremely passionate. Pretty firey. I love it. He is a former quarterback. He has been through what I have been through. It’s an honor to play (for him).”
Tech opens its season Aug. 26 when the Bulldogs host FIU in a Week Zero match-up at Joe Aillet Stadium.
The Bulldogs will conduct practice No. 2 Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
