March 2, 2008

GREENVILLE -- Furman head football coach Bobby Lamb and his Paladins will kick off spring practice at 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon with a two-hour practice session in shorts.

"We're very excited about getting back out on the field and beginning work in preparation for the 2008 season," said Lamb, who directed Furman to an 6-5 record and third place Southern Conference finish last fall. "We have more positions up for grabs and more competition this year, so we're looking forward to beginning that process."

Furman returns 41 lettermen and 11 starters from a year ago, including five on both offense and defense, as well as the team's punter. In all 20 returning Paladins have registered starting experience in their careers.

Key areas of emphasis in spring workouts, according to Lamb, include linebacker, cornerback, and defensive end. In addition, Furman must replace departed quarterback Renaldo Gray, All-America fullback Jerome Felton, and wide receiver Patrick Sprague, the team's leading receiver a year ago.

Furman will return to the field at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and again on Friday for the spring's first practice in full gear. The Paladins are scheduled to scrimmage for the first time on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in Paladin Stadium.

A total of 15 spring practice sessions within a 30 day period are permitted by NCAA rules.