BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb continued to ramp up its pace at practice Friday despite a light rain in the closing periods, working well from start to finish to complete the fourth practice of the preseason.
The Runnin' Bulldogs will take the field in full pads for the first time on Saturday morning at 9:00 am.
Gardner-Webb continued to rotate in its younger players at several positions, and will continue to do so throughout camp to identify quality depth behind solid front-line experience at most positions.
Heading into camp, Gardner-Webb had a proven and dependable option at receiver in All-America and Walter Payton Award candidate Kenny Cook (6-4, 218, RSr.). The Cross Hill, S.C., native was always quick to point out during the offseason that his choice to enjoy a breakout performance would be classmate Deonte Swinton (6-2, 194, RSr.).
If the first four practices are any indication, the Phenix City, Ala., native is well on his way to the best season of his career to date. Swinton was a very bright spot for the GWU offense on Friday, making several tough catches and showing off underrated speed to pick up big yards at times.
Gardner-Webb's entire receiving corps has been solid this preseason, both catching the football and blocking.
NOTES
* The Sports Network released its preseason top-25 on Friday morning, and two of Gardner-Webb's 2014 opponents are ranked in the tabulation. Defending Big South champion Coastal Carolina is ranked No. 7 and defending Southern Conference champion Furman – GWU's opening opponent – is ranked No. 21. Both are also ranked in the FCS Coaches' Poll, which was released earlier this week.
* Conditioning continues to be a major focus Gardner-Webb, a carry over from spring practice and summer workouts. The hard work in that area is visible. With temperatures cooler on Friday, the Runnin' Bulldogs put in extra work in post-practice running and were just as effective as previous days.
* Safety Steven Cristobal (6-0, 192, RSr.) has worked with the starting defense at strong safety for much of the week and provides a physical option at the position. Cristobal played primarily on special teams last season for the Runnin' Bulldogs and proved himself to be a fierce tackler. Spencer Havird (6-2, 190, RFr.), who earned the starting job at free safety during spring practice, has lined up alongside Cristobal through the first four practices.
* Freshman kicker Paul Schumacher (5-10, 170) split the uprights on a field goal for a "game winner" in a simulated special teams drill midway through practice, sending his teammates into a frenzy. Schumacher was an All-State selection last season at The King's (Fla.) Academy.
