Aug. 31, 2004

Charleston, SC - Coach John Zernhelt fielded questions from the media today at his first ever pre-game press conference as The Citadel Bulldogs' head football coach. Coach Zernhelt discussed what he expects of his squad for the upcoming season.

After two-a-day practices and two major scrimmages, coach Zernhelt noted, "The defense is ahead of the offense, but after the second scrimmage, the offense is starting to come together."

Coach Zernhelt also mentioned three top newcomers to the Bulldog squad. Freshman running back Montrell Lee has everyone excited with his speed and strength. Freshman Duran Lawson is a second team quarterback that shows a lot of promise. Also, nose guard Jacob Bryant is a tough freshman who will get a chance to start in the game against Charleston Southern this Saturday.

Senior running back Nehemiah Broughton's knee injury was also a topic of discussion. "He came back with the attitude that he is better than he was before," said Zernhelt. "He's already making more cuts in practice than he did last season."

Zernhelt expressed concerns with the young age of his offensive line. "No one (on the line) has played more than a half of a season," remarked Zernhelt," but they are getting better everyday."

The press conference wrapped up with some remarks about the upcoming game against Charleston Southern.. Overconfidence, due to the fact that The Citadel has won the only two outings against the Buccaneers, should not be a factor. "We constantly preach to the kids that everything in football is a distraction," said Zernhelt, "you have to focus on each play."

The Bulldogs will kickoff this Saturday against Charleston Southern at 7:00 p.m. at Johnson Hagood Stadium.