August 22, 2001

FURMAN WRAPS UP TWO-A-DAYS WITH
"BEST PRACTICE OF PRESEASON"

GREENVILLE -- The Furman Paladins ended a grueling stretch of two-a-day preseason practices Wednesday with perhaps the best practice of the preseason, according to head coach Bobby Johnson.

"I was really proud of our guys. It was the hottest day we've had, and the last of two-a-days where you could almost scrip it that they would down a bit, but I think we had the best practice of the preseason," said Johnson following Wednesday's two-hour practice. "They had a lot of energy and concentrated on what they were doing, and in the scrimmage session they really got after it and made themselves better."

The primary reasons behind the Paladins' consistent preseason practice effort, according to Johnson, have been solid team leadership and the good physical shape of his squad.

"I think the senior leadership has been strong. They've been through this so many times that they know what we've got to have. And the other thing is I think they came in in really good shape, and it shows. They didn't let the heat bother them and fought their way through it. I think their conditioning level has really helped."

Furman's Wednesday afternoon practice included one personnel move that generated a favorable response from the Paladin mentor.

True freshman David Latimer was switched from free safety to fullback to shore up a position that has seen the Paladins' top three candidates -- redshirt freshmen Al Means and Corey Tant, true freshman Eric Emerson -- sidelined with minor injuries.

"David took to his new position like a duck to water. He's aggressive, very mobile, strong, and tough. Right now, we're counting on him until we get those other guys back."

Means and Tant did not practice Wednesday afternoon after sustaining mild concussions in the morning session. Emerson, meanwhile, has been limited over the last few days due to a sore shoulder. Tant and Emerson could be back "in the next couple of days," according to head athletic trainer Brian Reese, as could Means, who is waiting for a doctor's report.

Furman also released its depth chart Wednesday, and among the most notable listings is at backup defensive end, where true freshman Travis Jones of Greenville's Southside High School has moved in behind returning starter Brandon Poole. Furman's Thursday practice is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.