Aug. 11, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for two hours in shells with temperatures in the mid-90s Thursday afternoon at the practice fields on the Samford campus.

"The first part of practice we got in a lot of work on special teams," Samford Head Coach Bill Gray said. "Our problem is we have the same guys playing all of the special teams. We have to look for guys to step up and show us they can do something so we can put them on special teams to save our legs a little. It kind of wore us down a little toward the end of practice because we worked them pretty hard early on, but that is part of it."

Friday afternoon's practice, scheduled for 3:45 p.m., will be the team's first work out in full gear.

"Our first day in full gear has traditionally been a hard day for us, but a fun day on the field as well," Gray said. "It will definitely be a day they work hard. We were a little leg-weary this afternoon, but hopefully we can get some rest and come back better tomorrow."

Gray added he thought the defense has shown improvement.

"I think the defense is flying to the ball better than they have in the past," Gray said. "Cortland Finnegan has come to practice in as good a shape as anyone on our team. We continue to see him around the football every time we do something. We just need more like him.

"On the offensive line, Kevin Pughsley has done a good job," Gray said. "He has the most experience on the offensive line. He has done well trying to bring the young guys along. Graham Lemmond has made good progress since spring and has solidified himself at center. It is very important that the offensive line comes together and starts to gel, and with Kevin's leadership we have a chance for that to happen."

The Bulldogs' first day of two-a-day practices is scheduled for Saturday. The team will practice at 7:55 a.m. and have a controlled scrimmage at 6:30 p.m.