August 25, 1999
Release: Upon Receipt

PALADINS WRAP UP TWO-A-DAY PRACTICES;
JOHNSON PLEASED WITH PRACTICE INTENSITY

GREENVILLE -- The Furman Paladins wrapped up the final day of pre-season two-a-day practices with an intense two hour workout under the lights of Paladin Stadium on Wednesday.

"It was very a productive, high intensity practice," said head coach Bobby Johnson. "We tried to cover as many situations as we could. We went with live play with the 25-second clock, so we had to execute under pressure, and our coaches had to call plays under different circumstances in game like conditions. A lot times these type of practices can be walk-thru type sessions, but tonight our guys worked hard."

Over the next three days Furman's coaching staff will begin making final decisions on travel squad personnel. Although Johnson refused on Wednesday to name true freshmen who are the strongest candidates to earn positions on the Paladin varsity, he did indicate "a good many ‹ up to eight" will probably make the squad.

"We are going to try to redshirt some of them (true freshmen), but they've got be ready to play in case somebody is injured. They will have to go in and execute the game plan if we need them."

Wednesday marked the return to practice of junior fullback Derek Russell, who had missed Tuesday's two practices with a tender hamstring. Sophomore fullback/tailback Louis Ivory and sophomore wide receiver Larral Marshall are expected to rejoin the team for Thursday's workout after also sitting out the last two days with tender hamstrings.

Furman will practice at 3:20 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday before taking Sunday off. The Paladins will return to the practice field Monday afternoon to begin preparations for the Sept. 4 season opener against Elon.

Furman Notes: The kickoff for Furman's Oct. 30 game against North Carolina has been set for 1:30 p.m. The Furman Paladin Club will host its annual Paladin Fall Kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 2 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency-Greenville.