? 2006 Spring Practice Calendar

The FIU football team took advantage of Wednesday afternoon's mild weather and put in a spirited two-hour work out in shorts and shells at FIU Stadium. Afterwards, head coach Don Strock saw definite improvement over Tuesday's first-day work.

“Today was definitely better than yesterday,” Strock said. “We put some new things in on defense and went to our three-wide package on offense. Everyday, we're putting in something new. Tomorrow, we'll mix it up a bit so that there will be a little more thinking out there. That's important, for them to be able to think on their feet.”

One area of the field where Strock and his coaches are paying particular attention to this spring is the offensive line. The Golden Panthers lost five seniors who combined to start 43 games in 2005. But Strock insists that the cupboard is not bare.

“We have guys who have been here and are going to get the opportunity to move up the depth chart,” the coach said. “[Senior] Ronny Silva (Miami/Avon Old Farms, Conn.) and [sophomore] Xavier Shannon (Miami/Coral Gables) played a lot and [junior] Mike Alvarez (Miami/Hialeah Miami Lakes) has played a lot, too. So we're not going in where we don't have anybody who hasn't played. All three have started football games for us.”

And Strock also expects youngsters like sophomore Dustin Gibson (Quincy/Lincoln), redshirt freshmen Anthony Russo (Hollywood/Hollywood Hills) and Brian Kelleher (Sarasota) and senior David Bailey (Plant City/Durant) to challenge for starting time on the line.

“We're going to see where they fit in,” Strock said. “They've all been here; they know our system and now they have to show us on the field.”

Sophomore running back A'mod Ned (Davie/Northeast) sat out for a second day, suffering from a left leg infection after being bit by an insect. He is not expected to dress until next week.

The Golden Panthers return to practice in shorts and helmets Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. All spring workouts are open to the public.