Fresno State football: New drone offers unique video view of practice
BY BRYANT-JON ANTEOLA
Fresno State got a bit technologically savvy during fall camp and is using a drone with an attached GoPro camera to help record practice.
The Fresno State video department spent $2,000 to purchase the drone, which resembles a mini hovercraft helicopter. The camera also comes with a stabilizer to reduce shaking from its own movement and winds.
Though it can soar at heights reaching 100 feet via remote control, the drone usually is flown about 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet behind the quarterback to give Fresno State coaches a “John Madden video game” point of view of practices.
“It does a better job catching hand placement, some of the detailed moves that the defensive and offensive linemen make than our cameras that are trying to zoom (from the video posts),” said Bulldogs video coordinator Brad Blackstone. “The coaches have said they’ve liked it and found it helpful.”
“Thought it was a great idea,” Bulldogs coach Tim DeRuyter said. “It does give us a different perspective, especially for quarterbacks in our 7-on-7 or team drills. Gives us a much bigger picture.
“Getting the (drone) 10 feet above (the quarterback), they can see the play develop and gives them a little bit different perspective. So it’s a neat tool.”
Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/08/11/4065783/fresno-state-football-new-drone.html?sp=/99/330/336/#storylink=cpy
