Aug. 6, 2007
The Baylor football team completed its fifth workout of fall camp with Monday evening's helmet and shoulder pad practice on the Floyd Casey Stadium grass fields.
"Both sides were good (tonight)," said Baylor coach Guy Morriss. "It was good to see the offense stick it in the end zone a couple of times tonight. I thought Blake (Szymanski) did a good job moving us. We started to execute better.
"It helps with confidence (that the offense moved the ball) and solidifies their belief in the system," he added. "It's still early, but it was good to see them have some success."
Szymanski (Wichita Falls, Texas) and Kent State transfer Michael Machen (Mobile, Ala.) have taken the majority of snaps under center over the last three practices, but junior college transfer John David Weed (Houston, Texas) still remains very much in the Bears' quarterback race.
"I think we still consider him (Weed) in the equation, but right now most of the reps are going to Blake and Michael," Morriss said. "Michael has really been quite busy with his academics. He's been up late writing papers and studying for tests. Once he completes his academic work and can get some rest that should help him some."
In addition to the quarterback battle, the Bears are also looking to find a punter and place-kicker during fall camp to replace two-time Ray Guy Award winner Daniel Sepulveda and Ryan Havens, both of whom completed their eligibility last season.
True freshman Derek Epperson (Southlake, Texas) is battling junior Brian Ozols (San Diego, Calif.) for the right to replace Sepulveda as the Bears' punter, while another true freshman, Shea Brewster (College Station, Texas), and junior Caleb Allen (Arlington, Texas) are battling for the top place-kicking job.
"I like what I see from our punter (Epperson) and I think the kicker (Brewster) is going to be fine," Morriss said. "He's (Brewster) adjusting to life without a tee. I really like the way we are punting the ball right now. That kid (Epperson) has a pretty good leg."
After working in helmets and shorts for the first two days, then adding shoulder pads Saturday, the Bears will strap on full pads for Tuesday's 6 p.m. practice.
Notes: Through five practices Morriss reported no serious injuries, just a few bumps and bruises ... Morriss is having a different member of his coaching staff address the team at the start and end of each practice session ... Baylor's annual Meet the Bears Day is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. inside Floyd Casey Stadium.
