April 6, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford's offense rolled up 350 total yards, including 160 rushing yards, in the Bulldogs' first spring scrimmage Friday afternoon at Seibert Stadium.

Redshirt freshman running back Chris Evans had 99 of those 160 rushing yards, including a 45-yard run. Rising junior running back Adrian Bradley added 43 yards rushing.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Seth Harkness, a transfer from UAB, lead the Bulldogs in passing with seven completions for 70 yards. Starting redshirt senior Jefferson Adcock added 50 yards, while junior Dante Williams had four completions for 40 yards.

Despite the yardage gathered by its offense, the defense had a strong day as well with two sacks and three interceptions, one of those by redshirt freshman Wade Brown who returned it for a 45-yard touchdown.

"Defensively, up front Mark Brown, Michael Hall and Derek Slaughter made some plays," Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said, "The secondary came up with some turnovers, so that was good to see. I thought there were some good things, and then some things that we obviously need to work on.

"I think the glaring mistake is turnovers," Sullivan said. "We've basically gone the first five or six practices and haven't turned it over much, and we come out here today and turned it over. On the other hand, it's great to see the defense make some plays and keep them out of the end zone."

Place-kicker Shannon Fleming made two extra points and three field goals. His field goals came from 22, 20 and 18 yards out

"I thought our field-goal kicker did a nice job," said Sullivan. "I didn't know who was going to be going in today, but Shannon (Fleming) did a nice job and didn't miss. That's a positive thing to see.

"I couldn't be more excited about the players and the way they practiced, their attitude and their physicality," Sullivan said. "If we keep doing that, we are going to get better and that's what spring is for. We don't have to play right now."

Samford will return to the practice field on Monday, April 9. Monday's practice is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. at Seibert Stadium.