Aug. 8, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The JU football team will arrive on campus and over 100 Dolphins will hit the D.B. Milne practice field on Wednesday, August 10, at 3 p.m. for the first preseason practice of the 2005 season. The Dolphins, who will boast one of its most experienced squads in program history, return 27 upperclassmen (19 seniors, eight juniors) but return 14 starters from last season.

"We are going to be ahead of the game this year with so many starters returning," said head coach Steve Gilbert, who has directed the Dolphin program since its inception in 1997. "Preseason camp is going to be very important for the incoming freshmen, and it will give us a chance to evaluate the positions that are still open."

The Dolphins finished the 2004 season with a 3-7 overall record but lost in a tie-breaker with Morehead State after going 2-1 in Pioneer Football League South Division play. This year, two of JU's three PFL South games are at home.

The Dolphins return six starters on offense, including All-American and All-PFL left tackle Pat Rich (Sarasota, Fla.), All-PFL fullback Steven Battle (Jacksonville/Raines) and All-PFL running back Jerry Brant (Jacksonville/Raines). JU also returns former All-PFL selections running back Chad Davis (Tallahassee, Fla.) and right guard Josue Sanchez (Middleburg, Fla.) after each sat out the 2004 campaign with injuries. Defensively, the Dolphins return eight starters, including All-PFL defensive end Jason Bense (Panama City, Fla.), All-PFL cornerback Bryan Flowers (Delray Beach, Fla.) and All-PFL linebacker Brandon Torre (Tallahassee, Fla.).

On special teams, the Dolphins return All-American and All-PFL punter/place kicker Ryan Feely (Odessa, Fla.) and All-PFL kick returner Nathan Conner (Middleburg, Fla.).

JU will face four scholarship opponents in 2005, as well as five PFL games (only 3 count toward standings) and more than 5,000 miles of travel. The Dolphins are 15-21 all-time against similar non-scholarship opponents and have nine wins over scholarship programs.

2005 JU Football Important Dates

August 10 - First practice, 3:00 p.m.
August 13 - First practice in pads, 3:00 p.m.
August 18 - Media/Picture Day: 2 p.m. at Milne Field
August 19 - First scrimmage, 2:30 p.m.
August 23 - First day of classes
September 1 - First game at Southeastern Louisiana at 7:30 p.m.