Despite a 9-2 record in 2006 Drake football coach Rob Ash says the Bulldogs are motivated to go even further next season. Spring drills begin on Tuesday and the Bulldogs are hoping to make a run at the Pioneer Football League title this fall. Ash says he senses a hunger on the part of the team to get back on top and win the championship again, despite of the good record they had last year.
Ash says one of the biggest areas of concern is on defense where the Bulldogs lost a trio of senior linebackers. He says they have a big hole in the middle and they have to find guys who can play there. Ash says they also lost two receivers and players on both the offensive and defensive line.
The Bulldogs have an unusual situation at quarterback where three starters return. The Bulldogs had two season ending injuries at that spot in 2006. Ash says one is still nursing an injury, while the other two are coming back. Ash says they have to determine who will compete for the starting job heading into fall.
For the first time Drake will be able to conduct a spring game. That will be held on April 21st. The stadium now has field turf, so Ash says that allows them to practice and not worry about interfering with the Drake Relays.