SAM SHADE INTERVIEW

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Samford football team practiced for about two hours in full pads Friday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The practice was the final tune-up for the first scrimmage of fall camp, which will be held Saturday morning.

The Samford defense has to replace six starters from last season, but one of the most experienced areas of the team is the secondary. Cornerbacks Coach Sam Shade said his group has gotten fall camp off to a good start.

"Things are going pretty well," Shade said. "For the most part, we're healthy. We have seven guys, and we're just trying to stay healthy and get better each day."

Both starting cornerbacks return from last season's team. Shade said that experience has been a blessing so far during fall camp.

"James Bradberry came in last year and did a really good job and was a big surprise for us, coming in as a transfer," Shade said. "He did a great job and started every game. So, now with him coming back, and also having Tae Lewis on one side and Brandon Nettles, who has also played a lot of football for us, we feel like we have three guys with a lot of experience there."

The Bulldogs have a couple of newcomers at corner as well. Shade said he likes the progress the younger members of the group have shown.

"Denzel Williams had a really good spring for us," Shade said. "He came a long way in the spring and he's just kind of picked up where he left off. He is a physical guy who could probably play safety, but is playing corner for us. Also, we have Bruce Greer. Bruce didn't play a lot last year, except for on special teams, but we are looking for him to take some steps this season as well."

The Bulldogs will hold the first scrimmage of fall camp Saturday morning at Seibert Stadium. The scrimmage is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Samford opens the 2013 season on Friday, Aug. 30, when the Bulldogs travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia State in the Georgia Dome. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. (CT) start.