As the Black Knights completed their seventh practice of the summer, they were faced with a humidity level of 82% and temperatures that reached 92 degrees this afternoon.

The Black Knights took the practice field in full pads during their 1st segment of practice (70 minutes), which was followed by a 20 minute break. But then it was back on the field again, this time wearing their shells (helmets, shorts & shoulder pads) for another 70 minutes.

GoBlackKnights.com takes a look "Inside the Huddle", as we continue to provide periodic updates on the tidbits of Army summer football.

Today we caught up with senior running back, Ian Smith and soft spoken, but hard-hitting linebacker Andrew Rodriguez (aka, A-Rod), who appears to have the lead for the starting spot at Whip linebacker.

Even before our one-on-one with the two ball players, Smith took the initiative to comment on the today's weather conditions. "It was tough, it was tough, it was hot out there," shares the senior running back before taking in the question from GBK.com. "But we fought through it and it ended up pretty good."

Ian Smith, RB

GBK.com: A lot of Army fans don't know much about Ian Smith the ball player. One is because the slots just didn't receive that many carries last season. So if you can, share with the Black Knight fans the type of back they can expect to see out you this year.

Smith: This year you are going to see a leaner and quicker, one who is a more determine back. I'm coming off surgery (torn peck) and I had it repaired in May. It's feeling great and I should be on track to play in first game.

So, I'm not running with the first unit. I'm on the injured reserve and I'm just doing what I can right now. Pat Mealy is running first unit and Jameson Carter at the other slot position

GBK.com: Compare where you are as a player now, to where you were this time last season.

Smith: I'm a lot wiser, more than anything. I know what I'm doing; I know my techniques, although I kind of confined right now (injury). I'm working on my technique right now and as far as my conditioning … I couldn't do anything, so I'm trying to get that back right now.

GBK.com: Since you are out on injured reserve, how are you approaching the preparation aspect of summer practice and the competition at your position?

Smith: I just have to keep doing what I'm doing, which is. Keep learning all the plays and have to know what I'm doing. Going in there and not make any mistakes … and just when I get my first opportunity in the ball game, I have to make plays.

GBK.com: You and fellow sophomore, Steve Erzinger are running with the ones right now. How does that feel and what has been the biggest challenge for you?

Rodriguez: Yes, it's Steve and I, but also another sophomore Chris Swain (DT) is getting in there too.

I think a lot of us are facing the same challenges, because we have a new coaching staff where we are going back to page one. But probably going in with less experience than the older guys is the biggest challenge.

GBK.com: You mentioned "older guys", has Steve Anderson given you any tips thus far?

Rodriguez: Steve talks about going hard and going fast … letting loose out on the field. Just giving it everything you got and flying around … and the plays will come. No need to worry, you just have to play hard and you will find yourself in the right position.

GBK.com: What are you goals as a player this season?

Rodriguez: I make a lot of the calls for the line. So, just making sure that I'm putting them in the right position to make their plays - that's key for me. So, if I'm off, there are four other guys that I screw up as well. So that's one of my goals for this season is to make the right calls and put everyone in the position to make the plays.

Some calls are in the huddle or at the line. So when I see the offense come to the ball, I have to decide where the line should line up.

GBK.com: What are the steps you take when preparing for practice or even a game?

Rodriguez: We have our meetings and playbook and I just like to go through before practice. I think about plays and situations that I'm going to get, run it through my mind and when it comes to practice and if I make a mistake, we work a lot on learning from your mistake, moving onto the next play and fixing it the next time. That's what I have been focusing on this preseason.

The 6-foot-3, 210 pounder not only has the physical tools, but has become a real student of the game as confirmed by one of the Army coaches last week when speaking with GBK.com. "He's playing well and the kid… he's beyond smart," shares one of the Army coaches. "He's a 4.0 kid here at West Point, but football wise as well - great instincts. He picks up on everything and he's very coachable. Doesn't make a lot of mistakes and when he does, he only does it once."

At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, freshmen safety Sean Maag has both the size and attitude to at least make an impact on the special teams and perhaps add immediate depth at safety.

However, at the prep school, he was injured early on and so his development is still unfolding.

But that can't take away the fact that he is very intense player, and will remind Army fans of the hitting exploits of former Black Knights' safeties, Caleb Campbell & Jordan Murray.

Maag's is one of those players that when he makes a hit, it can set the tone of how the game is going be played … at least defensively.

He has solid closing speed, and will come up to finish off the play.

GBK.com will keep an eye on Maag's progress as the summer practice continues to unfold.

"Liggins (Lonnie) and Malcolm Brown … they are doing great. They have stepped right in, didn't break stride and are doing great for us right now."