March 13, 2002

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford football hit the practice field for the first time since Saturday, showing improvement in one area that was of concern to the Bulldog coaching staff last week.

Head Coach Bill Gray said he liked the improvement at the center position on Wednesday, singling out the efforts of snappers Chris Williams and Rob DeLoach. The injuries to starting center Brad Baker and his backup Stephen Minks last week served to convolute the line's chemistry as Samford was already looking to shore up its offensive line with a few changes. Other movement along the front line includes switching Chip Adams and Will Grogan from defensive line to offense, as both played tight end in high school before moving to defense with the Bulldogs.

"It had been three days since we got out here for practice, and it showed today," said Gray. "I thought we got better toward the end of practice, but there certainly was a lack of concentration at the beginning. We've made some personnel changes that we feel can help us along the front, so those guys are getting work. Along with our centers, I thought our passing and catching was better today."

Samford will return to practice tomorrow and Friday and Gray hopes to beat the weather and get a scrimmage in on Saturday before predicted inclement weather arrives in Birmingham. Poor weather caused the Bulldogs to miss practice on Tuesday.