Aug. 7, 2011

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team reported for fall practice Sunday afternoon on the Samford University campus. The Bulldogs will begin preseason practice on Monday.

In all, 95 players reported on Sunday to start practice for the 2011 season. After signing in, the Bulldogs had the first team meal of the season in the Samford cafeteria.

"The first time everybody gets back together for the fall is probably the most exciting day of camp," Samford head coach Pat Sullivan said. "You're ready to get started to see where you are. You have all of your new guys in and they're all together. We're excited about getting started."

Following the team meal, the Bulldogs had a team meeting in the Cooney Family Field House. In the meeting, Director of Athletics Martin Newton, Sullivan and several other staff members addressed the players.

"We've been working hard all summer and it's good to see some of the other guys move in today," junior offensive lineman Charlie Sanford said. "We're looking forward to having a good year. We've got a lot of hard work to do this camp and I think everybody is just ready to get going."

Monday afternoon's first practice is scheduled to start at 4:40 p.m. at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs will practice in shorts and helmets on Monday and Tuesday, in shells on Wednesday and Thursday, and then practice for the first time in full pads on Friday. The team's first scrimmage will be Saturday afternoon at 3:50 p.m.

"This is an exciting time," senior quarterback Dustin Taliaferro said. "A lot of guys were up here this summer, so most of us have been here, but to have everyone together, having this team meal and getting ready to start practice, everybody is getting excited and ready to start the season."

Samford opens the 2011 season with a SoCon game against 2010 national semifinalist Georgia Southern. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start from Seibert Stadium.