Aug. 18, 2003

WACO, Texas - Baylor's football team returned to pads and shorts here Monday, donning shells for the fourth of six two-a-day practices in the 18-day preseason drills period. Following practice, head coach Guy Morriss expressed frustration with the offense's performance.

"We were just going through the motions this afternoon," Morriss said. "We started the period over, they picked it up a little bit, and they finished pretty good. We've got a situation where some of the kids are out of the dorms, they've got their cars back, their cell phones back, they've got a little freedom, and they've lost their focus. We can't have that. We've got a game in 11 days now. We need to be executing instead of worrying about phone calls."

Conversely, Morriss was very pleased with the defense, and he apologized to the defense for having to go through extra practice.

"We basically spent 10 minutes wasting the defense's time," Morriss said. "That didn't help our defense at all. That's what we're all about, helping each other get better. The defense was going pretty good."

True freshman Nick Pace (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch), a left tackle by trade, saw increased time at right tackle Monday, practicing with the first-team offense. Morriss spoke highly of Pace and his ability to show versatility on the line.

"There's a kid that gives a good effort," Morriss said. "He's struggling a little bit mentally. The grind is catching up with some of those younger kids especially. When you're grooved from the left side and suddenly you have to adjust to the right side, there's a lot of adjustments there. But he'll get adjusted; he's a very conscientious kid and he wants to do well."

Baylor returns to a single morning session Tuesday followed by two sessions Wednesday. All practices are open to the public.

The 2003 season begins Aug. 30 as the Bears host UAB at Floyd Casey Stadium.