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Furman Football Opens Spring Practice
March 6, 2006
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman head football coach Bobby Lamb and his Paladins kicked off spring practice Monday with a two-hour practice session in shorts and helmets.
"We've been looking forward to getting back out on the field and improving as a football team," said Lamb, who directed Furman to an 11-3 record and NCAA I-AA semifinal finish in 2005. "We have a solid group of returning veterans and a number of young players who are anxious to show what they can do. They'll get that chance over the next three weeks."
Furman returns 42 letteremen and 14 starters from a year ago, including five on offense, eight on defense, and placekicker Scott Beckler. In all 18 returning Paladins have registered starting experience in their careers. Approximately 75 players are taking part in spring drills.
"We should have some good competition in several key areas, including offensive line, defensive tackle, and cornerback," added Lamb.
Along the offensive front, the Paladins will be looking to fill vacancies at center and the two guard positions following the departures of All-Americans Corey Stewart and Patrick Covington, as well All-Southern Conference guard Brian Laggis.
Furman will also boast a new starting tight end and tailback this fall, as well as a new quarterback following the completion of Ingle Martin's two-year Paladin tenure. Martin's heir apparent is rising junior Renaldo Gray, who last year came off the bench to lead Furman on a pair of fourth quarter touchdown drives en route to an eventual 39-31 triple overtime win over The Citadel.
"It's Renaldo's turn," said Lamb. "He's shown he's capable of leading our offense, and our team has complete confidence in him and in his abilities."
Defensively, Furman returns six of its front seven, with the only key departure being linebacker William Freeman. All-conference cornerback Austin Holmes will anchor the Paladin secondary along with free safety Andrew Thacker.
The Paladins will return to the field at 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday and will practice in full gear Friday at 3:30 and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. A total of 15 spring practice sessions are permitted by NCAA rules.
Furman's Spring Practice Schedule (all dates and times subject to change)
Tue., Mar. 7 (4:45)
Fri., Mar. 10 (3:30)
Sat., Mar. 11 (10:00)
Mon. Mar. 13 (3:45)
Wed. Mar. 15 (4:45)
Fri., Mar. 17 (3:30)
Sat., Mar. 18 (11:00 -- Scrimmage)
Mon., Mar. 20 (3:45)
Tue., Mar. 21 (4:45)
Fri. Mar. 24 (3:30)
Sat., Mar. 25 (10:00)
Mon, Mar. 27 (3:45)
Tue., Mar. 28 (4:45)
Wed., Mar. 29 or Thurs., Mar. 30 (4:45)
