August 11, 1999
Release: Upon Receipt

FURMAN WELCOMES 20 FRESHMEN TO CAMP;
JOHNSON PLEASED WITH APPEARANCE OF NEWCOMERS

GREENVILLE -- Furman University head football coach Bobby Johnson welcomed 20 freshmen to campus on Wednesday and said he was pleased with the overall appearance of the newest members of the Paladin football program.

"We're thankful they are all here, and it appears they are all eager to go through orientation in preparation for our first practice on Friday," said Johnson Wednesday afternoon. "We've got good size and speed in this class, and they're about where we wanted them to be on the weight scale. But freshmen learn in a hurry that it's different at this level, and I expect some of them will begin to realize that on Friday."

Furman's 20 freshmen include 13 scholarship players and seven walk-ons. The heaviest player among the Paladin newcomers was defensive lineman Matt Mangum (Newnan, Ga.), who tipped the weight scales at 312 pounds. Quarterback David Mathews (Dunwoody, Ga.) was the lightest at 155 pounds. At 6-foot-6 , tight end Carl Boland (Asheville, N.C.) is the tallest member of this year's class, while tailback Lamar Rembert (Ocala, Fla.), was the shortest player at 5-foot-7.

On Thursday, Furman's newcomers will visit Greenville's Childrens Hospital at 9:30 a.m. Practice for Furman's 20 freshmen will begin on Friday with sessions in shorts and helmets scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the practice fields adjacent to the athletic building. All Furman practices are free and open to the public.

Furman opens its 1999 season when it hosts Elon on Sept. 4.