Some Heavy Front Squats...

October 04, 2025This week I was standing with one of our upperclassmen LBs, watching a freshman grind out heavy front squats. He looked at me and said, “Man, I miss those days.”

Back then, he could load the bar up. He wasn’t playing every snap, taking every rep, carrying the physical stress of being a starter. Now, his body feels worn down from the added games, practices, and contact.

It hit me: freshmen don’t realize how good they have it.

Yes, they’ve got to adjust to a new schedule. Yes, they’re still learning how to practice at a college intensity. But physically? They’re in the best position to push strength adaptations. They’ve got more in the tank than the starters who are already beat up.

Too often we hold back with the younger guys, afraid to ask for more. But the truth is, those early years are the time to build the base. To challenge them with loads the starters can’t handle in-season. To prepare them for the role they’ll eventually grow into.

If we do it right, the investment pays off for their entire career.

Push your freshmen. Protect your starters. Build the foundation now, so the program can stand strong later.

Keep the Fire Burning, Leech

P.S. - If you haven't checked out The Gridiron Warrior Podcast , it would mean the world to me if you do. My goal is to bring in great guests with topics that will immediately make you better as a coach. No fluff.

This week's episode featured Coach Michael Gragg, and we went all in on training Freshmen Football Players!