August 11, 2001

63 UPPERCLASSMEN REPORT FOR PRESEASON PRACTICE;
FURMAN FRESHMEN LOOK GOOD IN TWO SATURDAY WORKOUTS

GREENVILLE -- Furman welcomed 63 upperclassmen to campus on Saturday in preparation for the Paladins' first day of full squad two-a-day practices on Monday.

Furman's veterans joined the 27 freshmen already on campus to give the Paladins the NCAA I-AA maximum 90 participants in preseason camp.

"We're glad they're all back and look forward to getting the entire squad our for practice on Monday," said head coach Bobby Johnson. "It's tough working with a small freshman squad and trying to get any continuity and good team work. That's why it's good to have them all out there, because we've found that our upperclassmen are our best teachers. We can coach the freshman, but it's a whole lot better when the veterans can show them how it's done and how to execute."

In addition to the return of Furman's upperclassmen on Saturday, the Paladin freshmen went through two more practices in shorts and helmets.

'We're really pleased with several of our freshmen," added Johnson. "Some of them have potential to help us at some key positions, especially on special teams if we feel like we want to do that. It's always a process of whether you want to try and redshirt them or not. Right now, though, we're a long way away from thinking about playing a freshman."

Furman will not practice on Sunday, but squad members will undergo conditioning tests prior to having team and individual pictures taken at Paladin Stadium.

The team's first combined practice in shorts and helmets is scheduled for 6:20 a.m. Monday and later in the day at 3:20 p.m. All practices are free and open to the public.

Furman, which opens the 2001 season at Wyoming on Sept. 1, returns 19 starters off a 2000 squad that posted a 9-3 record and ranked No. 10 in the Sports Network final poll.