March 15, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team worked out for over two hours in rainy conditions Monday afternoon. The Bulldogs worked on basic fundamentals in the final week of spring practice.

Defensive coordinator Mike O'Toole has seen some positives so far this spring, but he has also noted some need for improvement.

"We have done quite a few things so far this spring," O'Toole said. "We have added some new looks for next year and got to look at some of the guys who didn't get a lot of playing time last season. We are still missing some people on the defensive line, but that will develop over the summer and into the fall. We are going to take the last couple days we have and just plug the basics into their heads. You have to be a solid fundamental team to win championships and that begins right now."

O'Toole noted the solid play of defensive backs Cortland Finnegan and Jermaine Livingston as well as Brad Booth, who originally came to Samford as an offensive player. The linebackers have also been a bright spot for the Bulldogs this spring.

"Our goal is to go three and out every series," "O'Toole said. "We need to have a few guys step up down in the trenches and become fighters. If we can get tough up front, we will be a tough defense next year."

Samford will wrap-up spring practice with the final two sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. The Bulldogs will start at 3:45 p.m. and workout on the practice fields.