March 3, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for just over two hours in helmets at the practice fields on campus Thursday afternoon.

"I thought the intensity was good today," Samford head coach Bill Gray said. "We have guys battling for spots on offense. We lost a wide receiver and a quarterback, but it doesn't take long to figure out that losing a center is just as important. Graham Lemmond and Tommy Smith are working hard to try to grasp everything we are throwing at them and still snap the ball and know the assignment. We are limiting our offense by what goes on up front.

"I am excited about the effort," Gray said. "Every quarterback we have is competing for the job, and this is the first time in three years it has been like that. That leads to guys wanting to come to practice and absorb what they hear in the meetings.

"Defensively, I thought Steve Tennin, Calvin Hodge and Bobby Sherman at linebacker are doing some good things for us," Gray said. "Our corners are really working hard, competing and trying to be a little more physical. What I like is the way we are running to the ball defensively, which will make us a better defense. We have a lot of work left to do, but I am pleased with the work we have done so far."

The Bulldogs will practice again on Friday at 3:45 p.m. at the practice fields on campus. The team will hold its first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Seibert Stadium.