Football Practice Report #25
10/12/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sean White had the primary punt and kickoff return duties last week in the Owls' 38-19 win at Hawaii, returning one punt 18 yards and setting up Rice's go-ahead touchdown with a 40-yard return of the second-half kickoff. The redshirt freshman is doubtful for this week's game with San Jose State in the Stadium with a bruised shoulder, so Rice coaches held tryouts again at the close of practice.
"Sean was doing a really good job," Hatfield said. "He caught the ball well last week, and on the kickoff return he made a great move."
White had ascended to the punt return role ahead of sophomore Jason Hebert, mainly because Hebert was on all special teams in addition to starting at free safety. Hebert, cornerback Kensley Barrett and bandit Dan Dawson are getting close looks at the return roles. Dawson had started the season as the kickoff return specialist before giving way to White.
Another factor on returns this week is the left-footed kicks of San Jose State's Tim Morgan. "We got Jarret Erwin and Ricky Hardy, both of whom punt left-footed, to show the guys the different spin on the ball," said Hatfield.
Rice (3-3, 2-0 in Western Athletic Conference play) has won three straight, while SJSU (3-3, 1-1) had a three-game winning streak broken last Saturday at TCU. Game time Saturday is 11:05 am (CDT).
