Fiesta Bowl diary: Ryan Palmer (Dec. 31)

Dec. 31, 2008

Hey Longhorn fans,

We're on our third day in Phoenix and everything so far has been great. We had our second practice today and we were able to put on our pads and really get after it. Everybody is fired up, and like always at the bowl, we ended our practice with the young guys getting to scrimmage. It's great to see those guys be able to show what they can do and give a glimpse of how things are going to be in the years to come. The veterans from the offense and defense really get into cheering for their side and it's always a lot of fun to watch.

After practice, a lot of guys were able to get in some sleep before we got back together for a trip to the Insight Bowl. The Fiesta Bowl people arranged for us to use one of the end zone club levels, which was great, but at the same time it was a little strange to be up high in the end zone in a closed room and watch a college football game when we're so used to being on the field. Still, the set up was great and they had a nice buffet for us.

All the guys were really interested in both sides of the game. Of course we played Kansas just a few weeks ago, and it's always good to watch the other Big 12 teams, but then Minnesota is coached by Tim Brewster, and we have to give some love to our fellow DB Nolan and his dad. You also can't forget our boy D-Lew (former Longhorn player and graduate assistant Derek Lewis), who is coaching the tight ends.

After the game, some of the guys went and walked around at the big block party they have every year down here. It was pretty interesting with some things like dare devil motorcycles leaping over buses, but everyone seemed to like the video game setups the best.

Well, that's it for today, we'll be back to work tomorrow morning at practice, so until then everyone on the team wants to wish you a great 2009.

Hook 'em,
Ryan

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics