Feb. 26, 2001

Waco, Texas - Less than a month since signing his third Baylor recruiting class, Head Football Coach Kevin Steele is getting a chance for on-the-field evaluations of his first two Bear classes. Following Monday afternoon's spring practice, Steele continues to be impressed with Baylor's underclassmen.

"We have young players stepping up and showing maturity at nearly every position," Steele said following Monday's two-hour workout. "It's easy to point out the guys who have made strides during our offseason program."

Steele noted Monday that the running back and wide receiver positions appeared noticeably improved after five spring practice sessions.

"Chedrick Ricks, Jonathan Golden, Melvin Barnett and Jonathan Evans have really stepped up and shown us something at running back in the last week. And at receiver, with guys like Reggie Newhouse, John Martin and Marques Roberts, we're developing the depth necessary for us to be successful."

The Bears practiced Monday in full gear. The final half hour was spent in 11-on-11 situations, including a 10-minute red-zone situational scrimmage at the end of practice.

"Today was a great day of practice," Steele said. "Our intensity level was very high and our execution was crisp."

Baylor returns to the practice field Wednesday and will also practice Friday before taking a week-long hiatus for Spring Break. The Bears will conduct a total of 15 spring practice sessions, culminating with the annual Green-Gold Game on Mar. 24.