Aug. 19, 1998

“The attitude of this team has been positive. This is a good group to be around. They work hard and enjoy being around each other and enjoy being out here trying to build this team. Obviously, we still trying to solve some problems, but I like the attitude of this team. We have a chance to build this thing up.

“We did some team passing today, created some third down situations. The biggest reason to do this is so that the quarterback is in a decision making process that most simulates a game. Jarious (Jackson) had a good day, but I’m still worried about the backup quarterback. Eric Chappell is definitely No. 2, but Arnez Battle and Zak Kustok do some good things.

“Leadership is a real strong part of this football team. Everybody knows about the three captains, but we have a lot of other seniors on this team that have played a lot of football. This is a senior class that had stayed together. The leadership will truly be tested when we come to those bumps in the role.

“Fullback is real even and so is strong guard with Tim Ridder and Mike Gandy. Tim Ridder right now is with the first team, but Mike has made a move. Malcolm Johnson and Bobby Brown are the top two receivers, but Joey Getherall has had a great camp. Strong safety, in regular down defense, Benny Guilbeaux is ahead but Tony Driver will play a lot in nickel situations. In three technique, Brad Williams and B.J. Scott are pretty close. At five technique, Tony Weaver is in the middle of the mix with Lamont Bryant and Jason Ching. Joey Ferrer has made a move a linebacker. The thing we are the most excited about is that we have some depth.”