The Rams seek to improve their team with solid offseason workouts with defense as the main focus during summer football training camp.

Coming off of a 4-1 conference record and 9-1 overall record, Coach George Rush says defense has been a big focal point for the offseason workouts. Last year’s defense was not what Rams fans had been accustomed to seeing in the years past; Rush added that lots of energy is being poured into making this year’s defense better than last year’s and they are making strides in that regard.

“Things have been going good. We are pleased with how things have been going. We have had a strong offseason workout program and we are in good physical shape and in the right place mentally,” Rush said when asked about the offseason.

The offseason workouts for the Rams football team consist of different phases such as weight lifting, team and position meetings to go along with the actual on-the-field practice.

This season the Rams have a good mix of returning players to go along with the new talents on both sides of the football. Austin Kearn, Andre Paterson, and Sherrodd Austin are vying for a running back position.

Rush said that the team is goal-directed, athletically and academically. Coach Rush said. He also feels that this team has the making of a great one.

“This team has a chance to be special. The work ethic is there. Whether everything falls into place, that remains to be seen.”

Speed was one of a key focus in a lot of the practices that and they just want to win, defensive tackle Issac Hamala said.

The immediate goal for this year’s team is to win the Conference Championship before going to state playoffs, ultimately capturing the Rams’ eighth championship.

E-mail: bgrace@theguardsman.com