Aug. 9, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team held its first two-a-day practices Thursday at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs practiced at 9 a.m. in shorts and helmets and again at 3 p.m. in full pads.

"This morning was a teaching period in shorts," Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said. "Then, we followed up yesterday's pad practice with another pad practice today, and I thought the effort was really good."

Sullivan said they had moved a couple of players to different positions.

"We moved Ryan Anderson from the secondary up to linebacker," Sullivan said. "Bryce Smith has moved from outside linebacker to inside, which is what he played in high school. We want to see how those guys will do."

Sullivan added that he has liked what he has seen from some of the young defensive linemen on the team.

"A couple of the young defensive linemen, since we have been in pads, have caught our eye," Sullivan said. "Kanon Burt, John Michael Clay and Jason Gaines, all three of those guys have really played like they haven't been intimidated and like they weren't freshmen."

Samford will practice again Friday morning at 9 a.m. in shells. The team's first scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at Seibert Stadium.

Sanford opens the 2007 season on Thursday, Aug. 30, when the Bulldogs play host to West Alabama. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.