August 11, 1998
GREENVILLE -- The Furman University football pre-season gets underway Wednesday when 23 newcomers are expected to report for fall practice, which gets underway Friday.
The 23 newcomers, which will include 18 scholarship players and five walk-ons, will report between 2:00-4:00 p.m. and undergo physicals Wednesday evening before taking part in the NCAA mandated academic day on Thursday. The Paladin newcomers will practice for the first time in shorts and helmets at 9:30 a.m Friday.
"We're excited about getting started and about this class. They have a lot of talent," said Furman head coach Bobby Johnson Tuesday afternoon. "We're anxious to see what they can do, but I don't see any of the freshmen being in must play situations."
Among the 23 newcomers will be Patrick Garner, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound junior walk-on who will begin work at tight end. Garner, a scholarship member of Furman's basketball team and product of Greenville's Wade Hampton High School, hasn't played organized football since the eighth grade. He could also get looks at defensive end and as member on the squad's PAT rush team, according to head coach Bobby Johnson.
Furman returns 13 starters and 39 lettermen off last year's 7-4 team.
The Paladins open the 1998 season on Sept. 5 against Clemson.