April 1, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University football team worked out in shorts and shells for approximately two hours Thursday as the Bulldogs capped off their week of practice with an energetic workout held at Seibert Stadium.

"I thought we had a pretty good practice," said Samford head coach Pat Sullivan. "We were in shorts and shoulder pads and that always makes it hard to get too physical, but I thought we really had some good points. It wasn't as complete as some of the others we've had this week, but I thought overall we had a good week of practice."

In Thursday's session, the Bulldogs practiced in shorts and shells, and spent most of the time in both team and individual drills. For the early portion of the workout, a majority of the Bulldogs' emphasis was placed on special teams and situational down and distance.

During the upbeat two-hour workout, Samford continued to implement both its defensive and offensive strategies for the upcoming season. The team also worked on incorporating its special teams systems and ran through some full speed, 11-on-11 drills.

"In our red zone drill, I thought that our offense looked really sharp and made some good plays," Sullivan said. "I thought that Dustin (Taliaferro) played very well and Chris Cephus continues to make a lot of good plays. Richie Fordham also did a really good job for us today."

For a predominant portion of the workout, the Bulldogs remained in their position groups before combining to form a full complement of both offensive and defensive team units.

"When the action was live and we were in the third-and-long situations, the defense stepped up and did a really good job," said Sullivan. "There were good plays made on both sides of the ball and I don't know if one group really stood out as being good or bad today."

Following practice, Sullivan highlighted some of the players who shined during the workout.

"John Michael Clay, Bryce Smith and Corey White all seemed to have really good days today," Sullivan said. "They've been working really hard this spring and I know that they are looking forward to taking a few days off for Easter."

The Samford University football team will take the next three days off of practice for the Easter holiday and is scheduled to return to action Monday in full pads.