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Rice University Athletics
August 23 Football Practice Report
8/23/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
"It's a tough week," said coach Ken Hatfield. "We're tired and sore and not playing anybody this week again. It's the type week that you learn a lot about yourself."
One player that Rice coaches want to learn more about is sophomore Ryan Smith, moved from the defensive line to offensive guard on Monday. "We spent a lot of time with him today, teaching him the plays," said Hatfield. Smith, from Malvern, Ark., was moved from defensive end to tackle this spring after struggling with mononucleosis during the 1998 season.
Hatfield did have good words for the play of his defensive ends and inside linebackers, two key areas for the Owls in '99. "We're getting good play from the ends," he said. "I've been pleased with Jarrett Erwin (Corpus Christi/Calallen) and Jake Jackson (New London/West Rusk). Their play has really been coming along, and that's encouraging.
"At linebacker, Rashard Pittman (Marianna, Fla.) and Joe Bob Thompson (Daingerfield) have done well. They're here everyday and they're playing hard. They're getting better."
The Owls will scrimmage twice more this week: Tuesday afternoon on the grass field and Thursday evening under the lights in Rice Stadium.
Upcoming Rice Owls Practice Schedule
Tuesday (8/24) 4:30 pm (grass practice field)
Wednesday (8/25) 5 pm (grass practice field)
Thursday (8/26) 7 pm (Rice Stadium)
Friday (8/27) 5 pm (full pads; grass practice field)
Saturday (8/28) no practice
Sunday (8/29) no practice
Monday (8/30) Monday news conference, noon (Owl Club); 4 pm (grass
practice field)
No practices are scheduled for Sunday. All practices are closed to the general public. Media should confirm times and practice sites with the athletic news bureau. All in-person interviews with players and coaches will be scheduled following practice sessions.
