The San Jose State University football team heads into the second half of its 2009 spring practice with sessions on Friday, April 10, starting at 2:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, beginning at noon.

    Following the April 5 practice, head coach Dick Tomey talked about team chemistry, leadership and the return of running back Patrick Perry, who missed the last two seasons due to an injury he suffered days before the start of the 2007 season.

    “Team chemistry happens through competition and hard work,” says Tomey, now in his fifth season as the Spartans’ head coach. “Your leaders emerge as competition takes place. I don’t think you know who your leaders are (on a college football team) before the season starts. Leaders emerge during the spring, during the summer, and the early fall. We have a core of outstanding seniors. It’s the largest senior class and the most returning lettermen we’ve ever had. We have 16 guys coming off of injury that didn’t play last year. I’m confident we’ll have good leadership.

    “Right now, (defensive end) Carl Ihenacho, who is out of spring practice with an injury left over from the fall, and (linebacker) Justin Cole are the two guys right now who provide great leadership on the defense. Offensively, Ailao Eliapo, who is a junior, and Ronnie Castillo, who is our center, and Pat Perry, are providing outstanding leadership so far."

    In his first two seasons with the Spartans, Perry scored nine touchdowns and averaged 4.1 yards per carry. A very effective ball carrier between the hash marks, the senior from Los Angeles carried the ball 12 or more times in six 2006 games. San Jose State won all six of those contests en route to the New Mexico Bowl championship. A capable special teams player, Perry was credited with a punt block that ignited the team's 2006 second-half comeback win at New Mexico State.

    “I’m very impressed with what Pat Perry has done. He’s coming back off of a serious injury for a running back. He’s done a terrific job of showing he can be a big help. I think he’s further along than he was two years ago when he was our second leading rusher and a big part of our football team.”

    Practices are held on the San Jose State practice field adjacent to Spartan Stadium. Generally, practices are open to the public. For practice updates, contact the San Jose State football office at 408-924-1266.