PHOTOS: Spring practice rolling along for Raiders, Denson

ROCKINGHAM — The Brad Denson era of Richmond Raider football has been in session for three months, but the first official spring practices with him as head coach began this week.

After weeks of offseason workouts, the Raiders and the first-year head coach opened their first legitimate round of the 2024 season Monday.

Members of the varsity and junior varsity football teams were suited up in helmets and shoulder pads Wednesday, the third day of the 10-day practice period.

The Raiders were broken into position groups and worked through a series of drills for the better part of two hours. Wednesday’s practice focused on fundamentals, conditioning and position-specific drills.

Despite the change in the head coaching role, Richmond’s first one since the 2016-17 offseason, several longtime assistant and position coaches are back under Denson’s direction.

On the offensive side were Joey English, Bryan Hinson, Patrick Hope, Kemp McSween, John Rich and Greg Williams.

Defensive coaches included Travis Byers, Chris Campolieta and Taivon Jones.

Returning to the coaching staff after brief hiatuses were defensive assistants Chris Dennis and Spencer Shaw, as well as quarterback coach Jay Jones.

Also helping with the offense was Dale Denson, a storied Richmond County coach and former Richmond assistant.

Working out at quarterback were rising juniors Domonic Tillman and Evan Hodges, both of whom started games as sophomores. Tillman took over the starting role in the latter half of the 2023 season.

Spring practice is just the beginning of what will be a busy summer for the Raider football program.

The team will compete in a host of camps and 7-on-7 scrimmages the next couple of months before holding the first day of practice at the end of July.

Below are photos of Wednesday’s spring practice, taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.