August 17, 1999
Release: Upon Receipt

PALADINS "AHEAD OF SCHEDULE" SAYS JOHNSON;
BOUTON, STROMAN DRAW PRAISE

GREENVILLE -- As he walked off the field after Tuesday afternoon's practice, Furman head football coach Bobby Johnson said his squad was "ahead of schedule" following the Paladins' second day of two-a-day practices in shorts and helmets.

"Day two is never day one as far as enthusiasm goes, but the effort was there today and we've probably gotten more accomplished after two days than we ever have," said Johnson, whose squad will complete its final day of practice in shorts on Wednesday before going to full gear on Thursday.

"Once we put on the pads, we can pick and choose what we want to concentrate on and emphasize, and we will get a pretty realistic look at things and the speed of the game that you can't get in shorts and helmets. Right now, though, I think we're ahead of schedule."

Johnson again expressed satisfaction with the effort of several Paladin seniors, and on Tuesday he cited he strong work of sophomore linebacker Will Bouton of Greenville and junior cornerback Andre Stroman (Plantation, Fla.).

"Will Bouton has been making some pretty good plays. He was a pretty good player last year, but he had some things to improve on, and he's worked real hard to do that.

"One guy who is stepping back up for us, who we were counting on last year but who was injured most of the season is Andre Stroman. He's been real solid the first two days. That's a bonus."

The re-emergence of Stroman, who saw action in only two games last year due after starting in 10 games in 1997, should help offset the departure of sophomore cornerback Daniel Roberson, who did not rejoin the team for pre-season practice. Stroman is now expected to battle sophomore Rodney Johnson (Marion, N.C.) and junior Tarick Khadra (Ormond Beach, Fla.) for the starting job at right cornerback.

The Paladins return to the practice field in shorts and helmets Wednesday morning at 6:20 a.m, and at 3:20 p.m. in the afternoon. All Furman practices are open to the public.

Furman Notes: Sophomore nose guard Jarrod Holmes (hamstring strain), redshirt freshman Ryan Bussard (sore shoulder), and sophomore tight end Trent Sansbury (hip flexor) did not take part in Tuesday practice sessions. Furman will conduct its Fan Day this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Paladin Stadium prior to a full-scale scrimmage, which will get underway at approximately 2:30 p.m.. Posters and t-shirts will be given away to fans, and players will be on hand for autographs on the field.