Aug. 15, 2001

Waco, Texas - Despite losing both starting cornerbacks and the leading rusher off last year's team, Baylor Head Coach Kevin Steele Wednesday praised the work of the Bears' secondary and running backs following the third day of two-a-day workouts.

"I'm really impressed with the way the secondary is playing," Steele said. "Every guy back there is working at such a high level that you can't even tell which one is out there. There's a high level of competition going on back there, which is leading to some very good play.

"Our running backs, Jonathan Golden, Chedrick Ricks and Melvin Barnett, have really hit a groove. I've really been impressed with (true freshman) Anthony Krieg. He's bright-eyed and has just jumped right in and knows exactly what to do and when to do it."

Wednesday was Baylor's last days before full pads go on Thursday.

"We're still working on execution," Steele said. "These guys are competing very well. They're competing within their positions and their competing as groups, offensively and defensively. They're very focused on what their mission is."

Baylor opens the 2001 season Sept. 8 at home against Arkansas State.