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Thursday, August 10, 2006, Morning
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

There were 110 fans in attendance at this morning's practice. The temperature was a comfortable 73 degrees, but with a 78 percent humidity, making it feel more like 80 degrees. It was also partly cloudy today with a breeze from the ENE at 8 mph, which was a relief for fans and players.

Special Teams

The Chiefs held a 40 minute special teams practice this morning. The practice was very well-rounded, working on everything from on-side kicks to different blocking and rushing schemes.

Special teams coach Mike Priefer was doing a lot of work with the hands team for on-side kicks, stressing for his players to get on it and to get down before the opposing team can create a turnover. Safety Bernard Pollard and wide receiver Jeris McIntyre made some plays that earned praise from Priefer.

They also did work with recovering on-side kicks, with a few younger players making some spectacular plays. Tight end Kris Wilson leaped out of his shoes to make a spectacular recovery on an on-side kick by kicker Lawrence Tynes. Seconds later, running back De Arrius Howard made a nice play of his own, recovering a perfectly placed on-side kick by Tynes.

Tynes and punter Dustin Colquitt did a lot of kicking today with Priefer focusing primarily on players on the line of scrimmage and getting different eight and nine man fronts in the correct alignment.

Wide receivers Nate Curry, Dante Hall, Kyle Brown and cornerback Chris Johnson caught most of the punts and kicks and got a chance work on their return skills.

Mike Priefer, special teams coach, was interviewed following practice. Priefer expressed his excitement about the potential of this special teams group. "I hope a lot of the young guys show me what I think they can do. I hope some of the veterans that play early on in the game show me what they can do and I'm excited about this group. They are a very hard working group and they are very fun to work with."

Providing competition for his players is important to Priefer. "I like competition. I love competition in every spot. I think its human nature to get a little anxiety in your belly and that you are concerned about performing every day. That's what makes you better. Our roster is built that we don't have another punter, but we have two young guys that are working hard and continuing to improve."

Last year Priefer thought that this special teams unit was very well coached, but this year requires some change. "The thing we have different this year is new personnel. There are several guys that are not on this team anymore that are veteran guys that have played special teams. What I'm excited is seeing these young guys come, these linebackers, safeties, wide receivers and running backs, and to step up to show me what they can do. I have high expectations for these guys."

Fans

Peter and Bettie Levinger from Coon Rapids, Minn., brought their son Ryan, 11, to River Falls for their first time at summer training camp. The Levingers have been enjoying their time in River Falls and are having a blast watching their favorite team practice each day. The family loves new Head Coach Herm Edwards for his determination and persistence. Ryan mentioned that he is excited to watch his favorite players today and hopes to get autographs from running back Larry Johnson and quarterback Trent Green at camp.

Extra...Extra

In an interview with linebacker Nick Reid this morning, he said that everything is going well so far in camp. "Everybody is treating me good. I'm kind of getting to show what I can do a little bit." Special teams is the area where Reid believes he will have his opportunity. "Yea. It's definitely where I'm going to make my mark this season if I'm lucky enough to make the team. Special teams is all about heart and that's something that I have a lot of. " Coming into camp, Reid, the 2005 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, was asked if he came in with a chip on his shoulder. "I thought I did and now that I'm getting to live my dream, I'm just trying to do my best and show them what I got. "

Being at Summer Training Camp is more than Reid ever expected." It's so fun to be out here with Trent Green and Tony Gonzalez and just to be on the same field as them and practice with them. It's a dream come true." Throughout camp, Reid said that he has bonded with rookie quarterback Brodie Croyle . "It's actually kind of weird since he's on offense, but we've hit it off pretty well and I can see us being friends for awhile."

Linebacker Boomer Grigsby has definitely been a role model for Reid: "I see a lot of myself in him. He's a great guy and plays with a lot of heart and he never gives up."

Reid is also very excited for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans. "I can't wait. I'm giddy like a little kid on Christmas right now. I'm excited to get out there and hit someone on another team."

Fans got a chance to meet and get autographs from kicker Lawrence Tynes and punter Dustin Colquitt after practice this morning.

After this morning's special teams practice, punter Dustin Colquitt was practicing hiking the ball with tight end Adam Johnson for 15 minutes before returning to Hunt Arena to join the rest of the team.

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year include in front row, left to right: Sara Dehn (Senior Day), Amie Eller (Kids' Days), John Hepokoski (sidelines), Holly Sigler (photographs), Jude Harder (fans, Punt, Pass & Kick). Back, left to right: Mark Kinders (Public Affairs Director), Kat Krtnick (sidelines), Deb Toftness (Office Manager), Brenda Bredahl (Public Affairs Editor), Jim Thies (Sports Information Director), Jens Gunelson (University Photographer).

Chiefs fans! Make sure you tune in to the 2006 Daily Updates page on a regular basis. We will be posting sidelines and fans information after each practice while the Chiefs are in camp.