Heat Continues for Baylor Football
8/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 7, 2003
WACO, Texas - Triple-digit temperature continued here Thursday as Baylor hit the practice field in shorts for the second day of preseason drills. First-year head coach Guy Morriss saw improvement from Wednesday's opener.
"The attitude was better, a little more enthusiasm," Morriss said. "We put the ball on the ground fewer times; we're pleased about that. The kids are getting their legs under them a little bit, and they'll get better by tomorrow hopefully. We tried to stay on a tighter schedule today, get things moving a little quicker. It's too early to tell really, but I thought today was much better than yesterday."
Morriss announced that three members of Baylor's walk-on program have been awarded scholarships: senior running back Staron Faucher (Aldine, Texas/Nimitz); senior defensive back Cornell King (Dallas, Texas/Skyline); and senior deep snapper Matt Waller (Houston, Texas/Cypress Falls). In all, Baylor has 29 walk-ons in preseason drills, 17 new and 12 returning. Morriss said this was a reward to Faucher, King and Waller for their dedication to the program.
The Bears have 19 seniors and 19 juniors on this year's roster. According to Morriss, that upperclassman leadership is beginning to emerge.
"They're starting to take ownership in this football team," Morriss said. "There's a nucleus of them coming together. That's good; that's what we want."
Saturday marks Baylor's first day in pads; alternating two-a-days begin Sunday. Under new NCAA regulations, teams are limited to one practice on days following a two-practice day. All practices are open to the public.
The 2003 season begins Aug. 30 as the Bears host UAB at Floyd Casey Stadium.
