Aug. 6, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University football team spent its third day of pre-season practice working out in shells on the Seibert Stadium field Wednesday afternoon.

For the first time since fall practice began, the first-team offense matched up against the first-team defense. Head Coach Bill Gray said it was good for his team to get some one-on-one work.

"We got to see our receivers go against the defense," Gray said. "We have some good film to watch that will hopefully make us better. We had a one-on-one session and a skel session, and we put some guys in position to make some plays. We are looking to see who can line up right and who can make good decisions. We have a lot of improving to do on both sides of the ball."

First-team quarterback Ray Nelson said the team was glad to be able to work out one-on-one.

"It was a little hectic, but everyone was ready," Nelson said. "The young guys were prepared, and the defense was aggressive. As an offense, we just need to execute."

Freshman quarterback Parker Gargis works out during Wednesday's practice at Seibert Stadium.

Gray added that several players performed well in Wednesday's practice.

"Cortland Finnegan did a good job in the secondary," Gray said. "Cory Turner showed some promise and T.C. Meyers showed a lot of quickness."

Also at Wednesday's practice, hanging from the press box was a sign that read "11-30." The slogan will be used by the defense to mean, "11 men on the field, three and out every time," and by the offense to mean, "11 men on the field, 30 points."

The team will again practice in shells on Thursday, beginning at 3:45 p.m. The team's first day of full-pad work will be on Friday at 3:45 p.m., and the first two-a-day will be held on Saturday, with practices at 7:55 a.m., and 3:45 p.m

Samford opens the 2003 season on Thursday, August 28, at Chattanooga. Kick-off for the game is set for 7:00 p.m. central time and will be televised by The Football Network.