August 23, 2001

FURMAN TURNS FOCUS TO WYOMING

GREENVILLE -- With two-a-days behind them the Furman Paladins used Thursday's single practice session to begin turning their attention to season opening opponent Wyoming.

"For the first time we dedicated nearly all of our teaching to Wyoming's offense and defense," said head coach Bobby Johnson. "Other than a 20-minute session where we worked our own passing game against our defense, it was all Wyoming."

While generally pleased with the effort of his team in Thursday's two and a half hour practice, Johnson indicated the near complete change in focus slowed progress.

"Anytime you introduce an opponent's offense and defense to your team, you can expect a slow day because the scout team has got to start learning, and until they get familiar and comfortable with it, it's going to be hard to get a good look. It was simply a day of learning what they do and what their tendencies are and how we plan to attack on both sides of the football."

Thursday's practice did not include any position moves, but Johnson again cited the strong work of two true freshmen, fullback David Latimer and tight end Willis Sudderth.

"We're still pleased with David and Willis. There's a possibility other freshmen may be involved in the first game. We're going to take some of them, but I don't know how many will play. We're going to make sure we've got every base covered instead of worrying so much about redhshirting everybody."

Furman's Friday practice is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Notes: After sustaining concussions in Wednesday morning's practice, redshirt freshman fullbacks Corey Tant and Al Means are listed as "day to day" and will likely miss the Paladins' Friday and Saturday practices, accorind to head athletic trainer Brian Reese. True freshman fullback Eric Emerson returned to the practice field on Thursday but wore a red jersey (non-contact). Reserve senior defensive end Jarrod Holmes has decided to retire due to a chronic hamstring injury that has plagued him the last two years.