Aug. 18, 2000
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The Western Kentucky University football team will conclude its week-long two-a-day workouts with a pair of practices Saturday. The Toppers have been working out twice a day since Monday and have been in full pads since Thursday morning.
"Things have been going really good, the players have had a real positive attitude," head coach Jack Harbaugh said. "We've had a high tempo despite the temperature. The guys have been showing their commitment all week."
Western is looking to fill holes on both the offensive and defensive lines, where the Hilltoppers have to replace Patrick Goodman, Todd Sorrell and Ray Arnold on offense, and Ben Wittman and Chuck Skillman on defensive. Although no jobs have been won after the first week, a group of players including Earl Miller, Patrick Reynolds and Kevin Goff have been rotating at the defensive end position. On offense, WKU has to find players to add to returning starting guards Derek Forster and Chris Price.
"At defensive end, we have to worry about replacing the productivity of Ben," said Harbaugh. "His sacks, hurries and turnovers caused were a big part of what the defense was able to accomplish last year. Our young players will have to step up and meet that challenge -- I think it will play itself out before next week's scrimmage.
"The offensive line has been healthy and working together as a group all week," he continued. "It's important for them to work together hand-in-hand to develop as a cohesive unit. They haven't looked impressive yet, but they are definitely making strides."
Another position where Harbaugh is looking for impact players is wide receiver. The Toppers return seniors Leroy Littles -- who has been limited in practice due to arthroscopic knee surgery two weeks ago -- and Alan Ogletree, but are looking for younger contributors. Newcomers Shannon Hayes, Robert Morand, Jerome Reaves and Antonio Veals are all competing for playing time as the first week draws to a close.
"I like all the receivers we've brought in this year," Harbaugh said. "I think we're going to be a lot better at the position than we have been the last two seasons."
Western wraps up the week with a pair of practices Saturday and a single session Sunday.
-- WKU --WKU Football Notes
* The football program will donate items to be auctioned at the Firstar Charity Auction, which will be held at the Bowling Green/Warren County Convention Center as part of the Fifth Annual Wendy's Golf Classic, Monday, Aug. 21. Those items include: traveling with the Toppers on road trips to South Florida, Murray State and Tennessee State, coaching on the sidelines during selected games, and, serving as a ballboy during selected home games. Proceeds from the donated items will benefit the program.
