August 08, 2002
Texas A&M football coach R.C. Slocum welcomed his veteran players to campus Thursday night as they prepare for the start of two-a-day workouts on Saturday morning.
"Everyone has worked hard all summer, and everyone, the coaches and players, are excited," Slocum said. "It's time for football season to start and I'm delighted to see our guys back tonight."
Only three scholarship players will not be in camp for two-a-day workouts as defensive back Adam Black has a back injury, while offensive lineman Cole Smith and freshman wide receiver Nick Rhodes each underwent off-season shoulder surgery.
Meanwhile, defensive back Jonte Buhl will be in camp, but will be rehabilitating his knee that was injured during the Aggies' bowl win in Houston this past December. Buhl will count in the NCAA limit of 105 players in camp and Slocum said the coaching staff plans to redshirt Buhl, but he could be called on to play if needed.
Senior wide receivers Bethel Johnson and Greg Porter both reported to camp.
Johnson recently underwent surgery to correct an issue stemming from his spleen being removed following last season's game at Wyoming.
"(Bethel) is fine to go," Slocum said. "He may have an endurance problem out there because he lost about 10 or 12 pounds while in the hospital. I'll keep that in mind and adjust his pace if I need to."
Porter returned to the squad after spending the spring and summer playing baseball in the Anaheim Angels' organization on the single-A level.
The entire A&M team held their first team meeting of the year on Thursday night and will hold their first combined practice on Saturday morning.
The veterans will have medical evaluations and equipment fitting on Friday, while the freshmen will use the day for additional new student orientation.
Saturday's practice schedule will feature a split morning session with workouts from 7:50 a.m. to 9 a.m. and then from 10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. The evening session will run from 5:40 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. All practices are open to the public and will be held at the grass practice facility. Fans should check for the specific practice schedule daily on AggieAthletics.com.
The Aggies kickoff the 2002 season on Saturday, August 31 against Louisiana-Lafayette at 6 p.m. at Kyle Field.