Charleston, S.C. The Citadel football team continued their preseason practice Wednesday morning on the Summerall Parade Ground. The defense continued to make strides throughout the day and the past couple of practices and the team started the day off listening as The Citadel President, Lt. General John W. Rosa, addressed the cadet-student-athletes.

The team is set to begin their first day of two-a-days on Thursday as they continue to work hard preparing for the 2006 season. Recently, the offense has struggled through the past few practices but the defense has continued to make progress.

“Our offense struggled today and through the last couple of practices,” said head coach Kevin Higgins. “They haven't executed responsibly like we need to. Our defense continues to progress each day. We still need to solidify our corner position, as well as our wide receiver. Today we introduced short yardage situations and tomorrow we will begin work on goal line scenarios.”

Before the 8 a.m. practice began on the parade ground, The Citadel President Lt. General John W. Rosa visited the team and offered words of encouragement. Lt. Gen. Rosa played football at The Citadel while he was a cadet at the military college and was the team's starting quarterback in 1970.

“The President of The Citadel came out this morning and spoke to the team before practice,” said Higgins. “It was a great motivator for the guys.”

Senior defensive end James Wilson continues to have his foot in a boot as he suffered a mid foot sprain on Sunday. Wilson is improving and the sports medicine staff at The Citadel is very satisfied with his progress. Wilson should be able to come out of the boot in a couple of days.

The Citadel opens up the season on Sept. 2 in College Station, Texas, as the Bulldogs take on Texas A&M. Kickoff at Kyle Field is set for 6 p.m. CT. For more information on The Citadel Football and Citadel Athletics, visit the official home of Bulldog Athletics at CitadelSports.com.