Samford's first practice cut short by weather - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Samford's first practice cut short by weather

The Samford football team's first practice of the 2012 season was cut short due to inclement weather in the Birmingham area Monday afternoon at Seibert Stadium.

The team practiced for about three periods in shorts and helmets before being forced inside due to lightning.

The Bulldogs went through some special teams and individual drills during their time outside Monday. Monday's workout was the first practice of the sixth season for Samford head coach Pat Sullivan and his staff.

"I am excited for a lot of reasons," Sullivan said. "First, I think this is the best football team we've had since I've been here. This team has all the intangibles, the character, the grades, the work ethic, all the little things, plus they are pretty talented as well."

The Bulldogs return eight starters on offense and six on defense from last year's team. At quarterback, Samford will have to replace four-year starter Dustin Taliaferro. Sullivan said the team has two players who are ready to step into that position.

"We have some holes to fill," Sullivan said. "Obviously, when you lose a quarterback who has started for you for four years, you wonder who will step in there. We have two guys in Ben Neill and Andy Summerlin, either one of those guys could step in. They've been leaders all summer and all spring. Both of them have had their moments, we are just looking for consistency."

The Bulldogs will hold their annual Media Day on Tuesday, and then the team will return to practice with another workout in shorts and helmets. Tuesday's practice is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. at Seibert Stadium.

Samford opens the 2012 season with a SoCon home game against the Furman Paladins. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start from Seibert Stadium, and it will be broadcast live on CSS.