March 3, 2004

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University football team practiced for two hours in shells on the football practice fields on campus Wednesday afternoon.

Head Coach Bill Gray said the team has made progress during the first week and a half of spring practice.

"We are beginning to understand and recall some things that we had some success with in the fall," Gray said. "We have some young guys that are feeling a little more comfortable about what they're doing. You can tell the more we are doing things, the more we're coming together.

"We still have a lot of work to do," Gray said. "I'm pleased with our effort. I don't think we have anyone who is not coming out here to work every day. But, we continue to make too many mistakes, mistakes that could cost us ballgames. The mistakes aren't anything that can't be corrected, so we just have to do a better job of taking what we learn in the meetings out to practice. I have been pleased so far, and we have made some progress."

Gray pointed out some players that stood out to him in Wednesday's workout.

"Defensively, I thought Steve Tennin had a good day," Gray said. "Courtland Finnegan, once again, had a good day. I thought Justin Ray did some good things at times today. I like what I'm seeing out of Clyde Triplett, he's working hard up front and will see a lot more playing time than last year.

"Offensively, Josh Brennard continues to impress, and he is a solid player," Gray said. "I thought we ran the ball well today, and had some bright spots there. We've got to get better at the overall running back position, and that continues to be a point of emphasis on offense."

Samford will practice again on Friday at 3:45 p.m. in Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs will hold their first full scrimmage of the spring on Saturday at 9:00 a.m., in Seibert Stadium.