Feb. 17, 2006

Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel football team returned to the field for the first time since last fall for day one of spring football practice on Friday, Feb 17 at Johnson Hagood Stadium.

"We had a good first day. We stayed healthy and the players have a better understanding of the system, while the fundamentals are much better," said The Citadel Head Coach Kevin Higgins. "We are so much further ahead than we were last year at this time."

February, considered a somewhat early start for spring practice, Higgins says allows more time for practice before spring break, as well as a longer recovery period before the start of the season if injuries occur.

While there are several areas of focus for the spring season, Higgins said he and his staff want to improve the Bulldogs' running game, in particular fundamentals of the offensive linemen, as well as quarterback completion percentages.

"We're much further ahead on the offensive side of the ball, in particular from a quarterback stand point," Higgins added, though there is room for improvement on both sides of the ball. "We want to make sure we are fundamentally sound in all areas."

Higgins said his staff also has to make adjustments in personnel, including finding replacements for graduating seniors, Shawn Grant, Porter Johnson and Kinta Palmer.

"Defensively, we also have somewhat of a new system," Higgins said in reference to the additions of new defensive coordinator Isaac Collins and defensive line coach Chris Partridge. The two new assistant coaches joined the coaching staff within the last two months and had their first opportunity to practice with the team on Friday.

The Bulldogs will return to the field on Saturday after morning meetings at 10:15 a.m. at Johnson Hagood Stadium. They will break for two days and return to the field on Tuesday. For more information on The Citadel football, contact the Athletics Media Relations Department at (843) 953-5353.