July 30, 1998


Furman's Patrick Garner To Join Paladin Football Squad

GREENVILLE -- Furman University head football coach Bobby Johnson announced today that Patrick Garner, a member of the school's basketball team, will join the school's football squad when the Paladins open pre-season practice on August 17.

"Patrick approached me about the possibility of coming out earlier this summer and, after talking with coach (Larry) Davis (Furman's head basketball coach), we both agreed it would be a good move," Johnson said Thursday. "Of course we are excited about getting an athlete of his size and ability. It's just a matter of how, when, and where he can help us. Right now we plan on giving him a look at tight end and defensive end, and I think weÕll probably try him on our extra point block team," Johnson added.

The former Wade Hampton High School basketball standout began his collegiate career at Clemson in 1995 but transferred to Furman following one season with the Tiger basketball squad. After sitting out the 1996-97 campaign due to NCAA transfer rules, the 6-foot-9, 240-pound Garner resumed his basketball career a year ago as a redshirt sophomore and averaged 2.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in 26 games for the Paladins. He has two years of basketball and football eligibility remaining.

Garner, who has not played football since the eighth grade, will compete with four other tight ends in pre-season practice, including returning junior starter Michael Owings. At rush end the Paladins sport three returning veterans, including projected starter, junior Bobby Hubbard.

In all Furman returns 13 starters off a 1997 squad that posted a 7-4 record and finished third in the Southern Conference. The Paladins were a consensus fourth place pick in a pair of pre-season polls conducted by league head coaches and media.


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