CMU held its final practice prior to the spring game on Thursday and the practice concluded with a speech to the team from former Lions offensive tackle Lomas Brown.

Brown talked to the team about the importance of spring and summer training and how attention to detail during those times were what helped him win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in the 2002 season.

Brown also talked about how few college football players make it to the next level and how important it was for each of the Chippewas to have something to fall back on with their education and also to be good role models for the community because those who don't make it tend to remain involved with the communities and cities where they played.

Brown spoke for at great length with the offensive lineman on the team and coach Don Mahoney, talking about specifics that helped him in his career and the struggles with the position that he overcame during his college days. Brown had mentioned to Butch how impressed he was with the practice and really though Jake Olson had great potential with his size for being just a redshirt freshman.

I will have a story with Brown in Friday's edition of the Morning Sun. He was a very nice and approachable guy and just seems like a great guy to be around. It was a real treat for me to interview someone I watched growing up and really was one of the first recognizable players I remember watching.

In terms of the practice, things went smoothly until the end, when Cornelius Gallon took a big hit and appeared to injur his leg, but the severity is unknown. I don't think it would be something that would keep him from being ready in the fall.

D.J. Scott and Taylor Bradley were recognized for their efforts in the weight room during the spring and Chaz West continues to really look strong and impressive since stepping on the field this spring. I really feel that the secondary for CMU can be greatly improved and really be a force to be reckoned with if it can stay healthy.

My last observation is that the run blocking for CMU has looked pretty good while the pass blocking is a little to be desired. Bryan Schroeder has really been exploding out of the holes in the line and running guys over as of late. It is hard to tell if CMU's O-line has been improving or if they are looking good against a depleted Chippewa defensive line right now, but time will tell.