RELEASE DATE: 8/10/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mountaineer Football Camp Opens With 78

78 student-athletes returned to campus Thursday to open preseason camp for the 2006 Mountaineer football squad. The Mountaineers will practice without pads for the first three days of camp before advancing to pads next week.

Players reported Thursday for physicals, testing, and team meetings before hitting the field Friday morning at 9:00 am for their first on-field practice of the season.

One of the stories floating around camp revolves around the quarterback position. Senior Tyler Blakeslee is the projected starter as he is the only one on the roster with collegiate experience. Six other quarterbacks are suited up for camp, all competing for the starting job.

Highlights of day one camp included great fitness and work ethics from the entire squad. Rodney Davis looks ready to go in the backfield where he will start at running back this season. Senior linebacker Andre' Turner has the defense motivated and looking improved already.

Erie Community College transfer Ricky Jones, a cornerback,  has been turning heads with his quickness, turning in a 4.4 second 40 yard test.

The Mountaineers will continue camp through opening weekend of the academic year before scrimmaging Lycoming College on September 2nd. Mansfield opens the 2006 season at home on September 9th when they face Shippensburg in the Josh Palmer Pigskin Classic. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm at Van Norman Field in Mansfield.