August 13, 2003


LAMB SEES SOLID EFFORT, WEAK EXECUTION
IN FIRST DAY OF TWO-A-DAY PRACTICES

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Furman Paladins completed their first day of two-a-days Wednesday, and head coach Bobby Lamb said his team's overall effort was excellent despite lackluster execution.

"We went light on them in the morning session, but in the afternoon we got after it pretty good," said Lamb. "I thought our competitive spirit was excellent, but our execution, especially on the offensive side of the football was lacking. We had way too many turnovers and too many mental mistakes. Some of that I expect this early in the preseason, but we've got a lot of hard work to do to improve."

The beneficiary of a struggling Paladin offense was the defensive unit, which Lamb praised for its strong play.

"I thought our defense made a lot of big plays, just what wešre looking for. T.J. Wilson made some things happen in the secondary against some pretty good receivers."

The afternoon session was highlighted by a very physical, 15-minute goal line period.

"We just put the ball on the three-yard line and went first and goal. It was intense on both sides of the football."

The Paladins will return to the practice field tomorrow afternoon at 2:15 p.m.

"We've got just about everything installed, so now we'll work on situations: first and 10, third and long, goal line, red zone -- all the different aspects of offensive and defensive football -- from here on out."

Furman will hold its Fan Day Saturday, with an autograph session beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Timmons Arena followed by a team scrimmage in Paladin Stadium beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Notes: Sophomore defensive end Tony Palazzo and freshman defensive tackle Lutrell Alford both suffered neck strains in Wednesday afternoon's practice but are expected to miss little action according to head athletic trainer Phil Hedrick. Redshirt freshman defensive end Roy Ravenell sustained a mild hamstring strain and may sit out Thursday's session. Redshirt freshman free safety Jeremy Blocker is expected back on Thursday after being sidelined on Tuesday with a quad contusion. Sophomore cornerback Maurice Duncan and David Latimer missed their third consecutive day of practice Wednesday due to hamstring strains, but both players are making steady progress in their rehabilitation according to Hedrick.