Aug. 14, 2002
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Led by the early performance of All-America linebacker Sherrod Coates, Western Kentucky University head coach Jack Harbaugh has been impressed with the performance of the Hilltopper defense through the first week of practice.
"The defense has looked good as usual," said Harbaugh. "But that's usually the case at this time.
"Our linebackers, led right now by Sherrod, have been outstanding - he's been better than ever," he continued. "We're also returning another All-American in Erik Dandy, while Jon Drummond is a blue-collar guy. And, we think that Charles Thompson gives us an upgrade at the position. I'm very excited."
Senior defensive lineman Patrick Reynolds - a preseason all-Gateway Football Conference selection - and junior free safety Antonio Veals also earned praise from the 14th-year mentor. "Patrick has been making a lot of plays in the backfield so far, while with every snap and every repetition, Antonio's instincts help separate him in the secondary."
Offensively, the Toppers have narrowed the field down at quarterback, giving repetitions to Jason Michael, Perez Smith and Antone Towns. Casey Rooney has been seeing time at wide receiver. In the battle for time at running back, Indiana transfer Jeremi Johnson will have a chance to compete for the job, but sophomore Maurice Bradley has caught Harbaugh's attention.
"Maurice has played very well so far, he has the capabilities of being an excellent I-AA running back," Harbaugh said. "Jeremi needs to get in condition because he worked so hard academically to be eligible. We could have a rather hefty running back corps.
"The offense has been improving," he added. "In the spring, when we first started installing the new system, the practices were so spread out there was no continuity. Now, with two practices a day every day, we can really hone in much better."
The Toppers have only two injuries of note thus far, with offensive lineman Daniel Withrow and defensive lineman Kris Mau - both projected starters - sitting out yesterday's sessions.
Western will practice at 9 a.m. (CDT) and 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and will have an afternoon scrimmage - its first of the preseason - at the practice fields Saturday afternoon. The time is still to be determined.
"Right now we need to focus on doing things with a fast tempo," Harbaugh said. "The players are tracking the time until two-a-days are over and classes begin, so we need to maximize every day out here."
- WKU -
