COACH HATCHER INTERVIEW

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Samford football team was only able to get about half of its practice in Thursday evening, so the Bulldogs finished the workout, going for a little over an hour in full pads Friday morning at Seibert Stadium.
 
The team went through several individual and team drills and then ended the practice with some scrimmage work. Samford head coach Chris Hatcher said he was pleased with the workout.
 
"I thought we performed really well," Hatcher said. "I didn't want to battle the weather this afternoon, on a Friday evening, so we decided yesterday we'd practice this morning. I thought we had good intensity, I thought we had a good scrimmage. Our focus was good, our energy was good. I think this was a good way to end the week."
 
The Samford defense returns seven starters from last season and is expected to be a strength of this year's team. Hatcher praised the defense for its performance so far during the preseason.
 
"I really like the progress we've made," Hatcher said. "Today, I thought the defense, by far, had its best performance of the year, which is really good to see. We had some good tackling, some good pass break-ups and some good rush on the passer."
 
With the first game of the season just under two weeks away, Hatcher said he likes the progress his team has made since starting practice on Aug. 1.
 
"All-in-all, we're not where we need to be, but I'm pleased with the progress," Hatcher said. "I hope next week we can take it to another level."
 
The Bulldogs, who start the season with a Thursday night game, will begin game-week preparations next week.
 
"We still have a few things left to do as far as install goes on Monday and Tuesday," Hatcher said. "Wednesday and Thursday, we will go strictly in Central Arkansas preparation. Friday we will treat like a Sunday and we'll be off, and then Saturday will be like Monday of game week."
 
Samford will take the weekend off from practice. The Bulldogs will practice again Monday at 4:30 p.m. at Seibert Stadium.
 
Samford opens the 2015 season on Thursday, Sept. 3, when the Bulldogs play host to Central Arkansas. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start from Seibert Stadium.
 
Season tickets are currently on sale. Fans can purchase season tickets through the athletics website at www.samfordsports.com/tickets, by calling 205-726-DOGS (3647) or by visiting the ticket office on the third floor of the Pete Hanna Center.