BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – With kickoff of the 2022 season rapidly approaching, the Samford football team polished off the final full week of preseason camp on Friday morning at Seibert Stadium.
 
"We increased the load on the guys this week and I thought they handled it extremely well," head coach Chris Hatcher said. "I thought we stacked some good practices back-to-back, I think in all phases we took a step forward."
 
Under damp conditions, the Bulldogs held their second scrimmage of the fall on Wednesday morning. All three phases played well in the near torrential downpour with the defense making a few more explosive plays. 
 
"We had a really good scrimmage on Wednesday," Hatcher said. "Our defense forced a lot of turnovers, which was probably the best they've played the entire fall."
 
With three weeks of preseason camp in the books, transfers Michael Hiers and Fred Flavors have caught the attention of the coaches. 
 
"There is a bunch of different guys that showed flashes throughout the week," Hatcher said. "Micheal Hiers, offensively, is starting to show what he can do. Defensively, our secondary has really been playing at a high level. Fred Flavors has had a great camp." 
 
Friday's practice concluded with a punt catching competition between the offensive and defensive lines. Freshman Makhi Gilbert caught the winning punt to propel the defense past the offense in what coach Hatcher dubbed "Butterfinger Wednesday" to end camp.
 
"Butterfinger Wednesday normally, but it rained on Wednesday so we couldn't get the jugs out," Hatcher said. "We give a chance to all the O linemen and D lineman, who are always wanting the ball, to catch some punts today. It was a good way to end camp."
 
The Bulldogs will take the weekend off from practice before returning on Monday with game prep.
 
"We have finished one phase and we are heading into another phase of practice to get ready for our first opponent," Hatcher said. "All in all, I think we are on track. Our effort has been good, we are getting better at our fundamentals and we are starting to dwindle down the depth chart of who we think will help us on Saturdays and Thursdays." 
 
Samford opens the 2022 season by hosting Kennesaw State on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at SamfordTickets.com. 
 
 FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
 For the latest news and information on Samford football, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordFootball (Facebook), @SamfordFootball (Instagram) and @SamfordFootball (Twitter).