August 11, 2003

FULL PADS NEXT FOR FURMAN;
LAMB PRAISES SQUAD¹S SPIRIT

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Furman Paladins wrapped up their fourth day of preseason drills in shorts, shoulder pads, and helmets Monday in preparation for the team¹s first practice in full pads Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.

"I thought the competitive spirit was pretty good today," said head coach Bobby Lamb. "It got pretty hot and we went a full three hours, but for the most part our attention span was solid."

The Paladins concentrated almost exclusively on team work in Monday afternoon's three-hour practice. The option game was emphasized, and the squad went through a series of first and 10, second and long situations, as well as special teams work.

"Offensively, Al Means is blocking and running well and catching the ball in good shape out of the backfield," added Lamb. "We'll get a better look at our tailbacks tomorrow when we go full speed."

As expected the battle for starting jobs at offensive guard is heating up between three sophomores: Corey Stewart, Clayton Dyson, and Air Force transfer Andrew Thornburg.

"We have great competition going on for the two starting guard jobs, so the intensity level has been impressive and will only get stronger."

On defense, Lamb singled out the play of junior All-Southern Conference free safety Cam Newton.

"Cam continues to be the most impressive player out there on defense. He's making plays all over the field. Daniel South has also looked solid, and along the line Justin Porter has been strong."

Last year Newton tied for the team lead and ranked second in the league with six interceptions in his first season as a starter.

The Paladins' emphasis on special teams Monday may have produced the likely candidate to assume the squad¹s kickoff duties this fall. Walker Simmons, a redshirt freshman, posted several deep kicks that impressed Lamb.

"Danny Marshall has been dealing with a strained muscle in his leg -- nothing serious -- so we looking for a kickoff man and Walker Simmons stepped up. He's also a part-time receiver who we will continue to evaluate."

Ranked No. 8 in the Sports Network NCAA I-AA Preseason Poll, which was released today, Furman opens its 2003 season Aug. 30 when it hosts Elon at Paladin Stadium in a 7:00 p.m. game.

Notes: Hamstring strains sidelined sophomore cornerback Maurice Duncan and David Latimer on Monday. Both players are expected to miss several days of practice.