Aug. 5, 2000

Waco, Texas - Baylor's incoming football players had a busy day Saturday, going through physical testing in the morning and non-contact practices in the afternoon and evening.

Head Coach Kevin Steele said that the Bears' 28 newcomers had adapted quickly since arriving on campus Thursday.

"We wanted to orient them as to how we practice and the tempo with which we practice. We didn't wear them out, but we gave them an indoctrination of what we do."

Steele was hesitant to single out any particular player, but was impressed with the overall athleticism and ability of his second Baylor recruiting class.

"Everybody who signs with a Big 12 team dreams of playing as a freshman, but the fact is that not many freshmen get that opportunity. We have a unique situation where some of these young guys have a chance to give us some immediate depth and some special team help. And there are some guys in this group who could do that.

"We've got some athletes out there who can run and change direction. It's a good group."

The newcomers, which include 21 scholarship student-athletes and seven walk-ons, will work out again Sunday afternoon and twice more Monday.

Baylor's veterans return to campus Monday. The first day of full-squad practices is Wednesday, when the Bears conduct the first of nine two-a-day workouts. Baylor opens the season Aug. 31 with a 7 p.m. at North Texas.