Back To Work - While Sunday's off day still consisted of team pictures and helping new freshmen move into their dorms on campus, it was the first time in two weeks that the Hilltoppers have been able to step away from the practice field for a day. While head coach Willie Taggart has praised his squad for their mentality and work ethic over the first two weeks, he stressed Monday morning that the key would be to get right back to that level after a day off.
 "These guys have been out here pounding on each other every single day for two weeks, so it was good to get away from it for a day," said Taggart. "Now I want to see them back ready to go and continue the consistency and excitement that we've had the first two weeks."
Filling Up The Backfield - One of the things that separates WKU's offense from many around the Sun Belt is its use of the full back.
 "The fullback is what makes us go," said Taggart. "If you ask Bobby Rainey about our offense, he'll tell you how big those guys are in what we do. They are an extension of our offensive line."
 Perhaps one of the biggest surprises to come out of the 2011 season was the emergence of Kadeem Jones as an importance piece of WKU's offensive production. Jones carried the ball 31 times last season for 90 yards, and ranked second behind Rainey with seven rushing touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 107 yards and a TD. Now as one of the more seasoned members of the backfield, Jones - who dropped around 25 pounds in the off season - is poised to have even a bigger season in 2012.
 "Kadeem has been working real hard this off season," said Taggart. "In our conference, the full back rarely gets recognized with all the spread offenses. But he's very valuable to our offense, and is ready to prove to people that he can do a lot of different things to help this football team."
Nearing the End - With just seven preseason practices remaining before game week, Taggart expressed the importance of finishing strong over the next six days. 
 "We've got to continue to do things at a high level on both sides of the ball this week," Taggart said. "Now it's time to start dwindling things down and get our two-deep set this week as we head into the season."
Welcoming Back Tevin - Prior to the team photo on Sunday, Hilltopper players and coaches got a surprise as junior Tevin Holliman made his return to campus. Holliman, who was injured in a shooting last spring, will not suit up for the Toppers in 2012, but his presence around the team has already been a big moral boost.
 "Tevin called me last week and said he was coming in on Sunday, and wanted to keep it a secret," Taggart explained. "He made it right in time for the team picture, and you could see the excitement he brought to our football team - both players and staff. I feel like we're a complete football team now that Tevin is back with us."
Family Fun Day Set For Saturday - The fourth annual Family Fun Day will be held next Saturday, Aug. 25 from 4-6 p.m. (CDT) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The free event will give WKU fans and opportunity to interact and get autographs from Hilltopper players and coaches. There will also be a Fun Zone set up for kids with activities including inflatable and face painting. Free Coke products and popcorn will also be provided to the first 500 fans.
- WKU -
