Aug. 18, 2005

CHARLESTON, SC - The installation and implementation of defensive blitzes were paramount at The Citadel Bulldogs' practice Thursday afternoon on Summerall Field in the heart of campus.

While returning All-Southern Conference selection Shawn Grant continues to show the way for all linebackers, former fullback-turned-linebacker Porter Johnson continues to improve with his new responsibilities.

"Porter is making tremendous improvement with almost every repetition," said first year head coach Kevin Higgins. "He seems to be getting better every day."

A senior from Loris, Johnson averaged 3.8 yards for his 36 career carries. Higgins moved Johnson from fullback to linebacker during the spring and the adjustment evidently is paying off. Johnson was recruited out of Loris High as a linebacker and was moved to fullback as a freshman because of a shortage of run blockers. With Higgins' new spread option offense, Johnson's versatility came into play as he returns to his original position.

Middle linebacker Willie Rowell, a sophomore from Opelika, AL, is also practicing well, with Higgins calling him a "hard-nosed player who runs to the ball extremely well. He's already made several key plays."

Heralded as the next all-league linebacker, Rowell was a 2003 First Team All-Alabama pick and was his region's defensive player of the year. Last year as a freshman, Rowell played in all 10 games and recorded 26 tackles.

The freshmen linebackers will have the opportunity to get evaluated under game-type situations on Saturday when the Bulldogs scrimmage for the first time. It is slated for 2:30 p.m. and will be held at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

While Grant, Johnson and Rowell currently have the inside track to be the linebacking starters, the Bulldogs are missing redshirt freshman Steve Spann, who injured his shoulder. Spann was penciled to challenge for a starting role and was playing well until his injury in which Director of Sports Medicine Andy Clawson has listed him as week-to-week. Clawson also indicated that 6-0, 275-pound DT Jacob Bryant from Edmond OK, is listed as day-to-day with a sprained right knee.

During the afternoon, the Bulldogs also worked on backed-up situations.

Two-a-day practices continue Friday at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. with both being held at the stadium. After Saturday's scrimmage, there will be one more with that one slated for Saturday, August 27, also at Johnson Hagood Stadium.