August 9, 2003

THUNDERSTORM INTERRUPTS FURMAN¹S
SATURDAY PRACTICE SESSION

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- A late afternoon thunderstorm interrupted the last hour of Furman football's second practice of the preseason Saturday, but the Paladins were still able to get in some quality work according to head coach Bobby Lamb.

Furman practiced two hours outside in shorts and helmets before lightning forced the squad into Timmons Arena, where the team completed the final 50 minutes of its maximum three-hour workout.

"We continued to put in offensive and defensive schemes and made a lot of progress despite the interruption," said Lamb following practice. "While we were outside we worked on our four-wide sets, which also covers our two-minute and third-and-long packages. Defensively, we put in two more coverages, so we're moving along."

Lamb cited several players for solid work but again cautioned that quality evaluation will come only after the team goes to full gear on Tuesday.

"I was impressed with our linebacking corps ‹ William Freeman, Keito Whetstone, Mike Killian, and Cedrick Ritter. They did a nice job. The defense started mixing in some more coverages, so the offense had to react a little more. That's good.

"Because of our new practice model, freshmen aren't getting as many reps as they did in the past, but I thought Andrew Thacker looked good. He's an impressive athlete who can play both corner, safety, or even wide receiver, so he¹s been a real help out there as far as freshmen are concerned. Offensively both Ryan McKie and Patrick Sprague have looked good at receiver, and Cedrick Gipson looks like he has some pretty good moves at tailback."

After a Sunday morning worship service and picture session, the Paladins have positional meetings starting at 1:00 p.m. prior to a 2:30 p.m. practice session. Furman will also work out at 2:30 p.m. Monday.

All Furman practices are open to the public.