March 27, 2008

The Baylor football team completed its ninth workout of the spring with a 135-minute workout on the Floyd Casey Stadium Thursday afternoon. The last half of the practice included a 95-play scrimmage which put the Bears in game-type situations.

"I thought our enthusiasm level was a little lower than it has been, but we are still playing hard and getting after it," said Baylor head coach Art Briles. "We have to quit getting hurt. Mikail (Baker) broke his hand the other day and Sims (Ray) turned his ankle early in practice today and did not get to scrimmage at all. So, he's probably out for awhile which means the other guys have to step up.

"We are better right now than we were February 29th when we started, which we should be," he added. "But, we are considerably better and that's the good part. We're understanding what we need to do (on) both sides of the ball. The defense is flying around, making plays and playing with a lot of effort. The offense is starting to understand what to do and when to do it. We are in the process of becoming a good football team."

In addition to the injuries to Baker and Sims, inside receiver John David Weed broke his hand during practice last week and will be sidelined for the remainder of spring ball.

"We just don't have a lot of depth, so these guys are getting quite a few reps," Briles said of the inside receivers. "It's good for them, but at the same time we are stretching them a little bit."

Among the many position moves this spring, sophomore Krys Buerck continues to shine after moving from wide receiver to cornerback, according to Briles.

"Krys is a confidant, distinctive football player," Briles said. "He plays intelligently and has a lot of faith in his abilities. So, that part of it is very encouraging. He's done a good job, he's a good football player.

"We felt like for the team's sake, we were thin at that area (cornerback) and it's a spot for him to help our football team, and that's what he's done."

The Bears will return to the practice field Friday afternoon at 4 p.m., then come back with another scrimmage Saturday at 10 a.m. to complete their third week of spring ball.

Baylor's annual spring game is set for April 5 at 2 p.m. inside Floyd Casey Stadium.