Aug. 5, 2002

Photo Gallery

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford head coach Bill Gray had the chance to see his 23 newcomers in action Monday morning as the newest Bulldogs hit the practice field for the first time. The 2002 class, which reported Sunday afternoon, includes 10 signees and 13 walk-ons. Players worked with individual position coaches on learning formations and signals as well as going through conditioning drills in the morning session.

"I'm glad this day is here," Gray said. "We're excited to get our newcomers on the field so we can see more of what they can do and so they can see more of what Samford football is all about."

Gray singled out four freshmen and one transfer after the morning session.

"Doc Rivers (Eufaula HS) out of Eufaula showed a lot of quickness which we knew he had. Matt Crum (Russellville HS) worked well for a big guy. Quinton Griffin (Stanhope-Elmore) showed he is a guy we can use at several different positions. Blake Davidson (Hoover HS), who will be red-shirted this season, showed he can be the leader-type. We were also impressed with D.J. Stancil, a running back from Army. In all, we were pleased after this morning's session."

Rivers, a wide receiver who will be used on punt return and kickoff return, averaged 35 yards per punt return and 44 yards per kickoff return at Eufaula High School. Griffin, who was named the Most Valuable Player for the South team in Alabama's North-South All-Star game two weeks ago, will first be tried at defensive back for the Bulldogs. Crum is one of only two offensive linemen in the signing class. Davidson, who threw for more than 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns at Hoover last season, is the only quarterback in the class.

The newcomers return to the practice field this afternoon at 3:45 p.m. and will continue to work with individual position coaches.

"Today is just a matter of them getting use to us and learning what we expect from them," Gray said.