Jan. 31, 2008

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - With two weeks of mat drills wrapping up, the JU football team begins spring practice on Wednesday in preparation for the 2008 season.

The Dolphins will be going through their second year of spring drills under head coach Kerwin Bell, moving the spring practice earlier in the calendar to be done before spring break.

"We're ready to get back out on the field and start focusing on the upcoming year," Bell said. "This group is working hard to improve off of last season and get us ready to compete in the fall."

Jacksonville is coming off of a 3-8 season and loses 11 starters from that team, most notably quarterback Chris Horton, wide receivers Michael Jenner and Nate Conner, along with defensive backs James Mills, Bryan Flowers and Weidner Maxime. Linebacker Joey Rumph also wrapped up his career in as a Dolphin, with Kiel Pierce and Quintan Salery graduating from the defensive line.

The offensive line also has a big hole to fill as well as guard David Locander graduated.

"We've got some holes to fill, but we also some very talented kids that are going to be called upon to step up for us," Bell said.

The quarterback race will be heated in the spring between Erik Stepelton, Jonathan Jones and Spencer Endsley.

"All of our kids have potential to be the starter for us when we start fall practice," Bell said. "Whichever one is the most consistent will be the one who gets the starting nod."

SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Feb. 6 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 - 10 a.m. - Scrimmage #1
Feb. 12 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 14 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 16 - 10 a.m. - Scrimmage #2
Feb. 19 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 21 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 22 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 23 - 10 a.m. - Scrimmage #3
Feb. 26 - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 28 - 3:30 p.m.
March 1 - 12 p.m. - Green & Gold game