Albany State Rams’ first practice leaves head coach Gabe Giardina optimistic

ALBANY — Last year, Albany State’s first official practice didn’t go quite how Gabe Giardina planned. Inclement weather forced the Rams to call it a day much earlier than it expected.

This year, when the rain came down yet again during the first practice, Giardina and company, who return a more experienced roster, simply migrated to gym to finish what they started.

That’s pretty much the theme of the season for the Rams as they look to adjust and adapt while navigating a strong SIAC schedule.

After practice Friday, Giardina sat down to discuss the upcoming season.

You’re in your second year and were able to evaluate the spring scrimmage and summer workouts. How are you feeling about the team to start this season?

After being hired last summer, Giardina and his staff were forced to hit the ground running. He, along with the team, adopted a learn-as-you-go attitude. This year, everyone’s had time to digest everything, and Giardina said they looked good in the first practice.

“It’s so early, but I was like, ‘wow we’re fast,’ ” Giardina said. “We’ve got some fast guys defensively and offensively. Of course, the first practice everyone’s all jacked up, so I like the spirit. I think we’ve got a good swagger to our team, not in an arrogant way, but more of a passion and a joy for the game.”

The “Dirty Blue” Defense lost some key pieces from last year, how are they looking so far?

The Rams held opponents to 11.7 points per game last season. ASU gave up just 144.3 rushing yards per game and 93.7 passing yards per game.

All-conference team members Zavondric Shingleton, Nick Scott and Marquez Thomas were a big part of the reason why. With those three and a handful of others gone, Giardina said it’s going to take a complete team effort to fill the voids.

“Those guys were really good players, and we can’t replace them with just (three) individuals, we’ve got to replace them with probably (a few more) guys,” Giardina said. “Guys at other positions are doing a good job of stepping up. I think nose guard Torrian Bell, his energy good and he’s playing pretty hard. I think Terry Compton has big shoes to fill with Marquez Thomas graduating, and Antonio Leroy Jr.’s going to step up. I feel good about our corners Jaylin (Boyd) and Jalen (Bush), they’re pretty good. I think we have a chance to be pretty salty out there.”

Most of the offense returns this year. What have you seen from them and how is the quarterback battle looking?

The Rams averaged 227 rushing yards per game last season and see their main running backs, McKinley Habersham and Kelan Fraise, return. The quarterback battle is now a three-man race, as Stephon Marsha is back and healthy, along with Chancellor Johnson and Kelias Williams.

Giardina said he expects great things from the offense.

“We’ve got good character there. We’ve got guys who we think are responsible and doing the right things all the time,” he said.

You’ve mentioned handling adversity as something the team needs to improve on in order to have a successful season. What specifically are you looking for in that area?

Giardina said teams have gotten better within the SIAC from top to bottom. In order to compete week in and week out, his team will have to learn how to handle adversity on both sides of the ball better than they did last year.

“We just want put them in some adverse situations during practice and say, ‘Hey, we’re backed up on offense. Can we make a first down? We’re on the 3-yard line, sudden change on defense, can we stop them? Can we hold them to a field goal?’ So I think doing some of that, coaching them hard and building them back up, will keep us in the hunt,” he said.