Tulane Welcomes 91 Players to 2003 Preseason Camp
Aug 6, 2003 | Football
Aug. 6, 2003
NEW ORLEANS - Tulane Head Coach Chris Scelfo opened his fourth preseason camp by welcoming 91 players to campus Wednesday, including 25 newcomers and freshmen. The players took part in team meetings and equipment fittings, had their head shots taken and took physicals in preparation for the first full squad practice, which will take place Thursday afternoon at the Westfeldt Facility on the Tulane campus.
The Green Wave is coming off an 8-5 season in 2002 that concluded with a 36-28 victory over Hawai'i in the Hawaii Bowl. Tulane opens the 2003 campaign versus defending Conference USA co-champ TCU on Labor Day night in the Superdome before a national television audience on ESPN.
"What we've been striving for since I've been here is consistency," Scelfo said. "We are striving for consistency in our coaching staff, in recruiting to our system and in our play. The only stat I care about is wins and losses."
Tulane welcomed back nine starters on offense, while just three return on the defensive side. Still, Scelfo believes the talent is there on defense to build on last year's success, which saw the Green Wave lead the nation in turnovers gained with 43 while allowing just 21.7 points per game.
"I'm excited about our defense. This is the most talented team we've had (since I've been here)," he said. "I sense that our team, on defense, can run. We need to get them all into the mix, and figure out who will be counted on this year."
Offensively, Tulane is led by the talented trio of running back Mewelde Moore, the preseason Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback J.P. Losman, who returns for his second year as the starting triggerman, and wide receiver Roydell Williams, who is back after fracturing his ankle in the third game last season.
"I don't think you can find many teams in the country with the caliber of playmaker that we have at running back with Mewelde (Moore), at quarterback with J.P. (Losman) and at receiver with Roydell (Williams)," Scelfo said. "The biggest thing we can do offensively is take care of the football. Our maturity level and our leadership will come from that side of the ball."
Scelfo also noted that the biggest question mark remains on special teams, where a pair of freshmen - redshirt punter Chris Beckman and true freshman kicker Barrett Pepper - are slated to replace All-American Seth Marler, who handled both duties a year ago and is currently listed No. 1 on the Jacksonville Jaguars' kicking depth chart.
"The biggest concern for me is our kicking game," Scelfo said. "I've been saying since he signed in February that our kicker is (freshman) Barrett Pepper. Chris (Beckman) didn't punt much this spring due to injury, but he's ready to go."
Scelfo also announced that wide receiver Cletus McGee and strong safety Tommie Griffin have transferred to I-AA institutions while quarterback Billy Don Malone will sit out this season while undergoing evaluation of a heart condition.
The Green Wave will practice once in helmets on Thursday and Friday and in shoulder pads, shorts and helmets Saturday and Sunday before going in full pads Monday.
Season tickets for the six-game home schedule remain on sale in the Green Wave Athletics Ticket Office in the James Wilson Center, or by calling 504-861-WAVE. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.TulaneGreenWave.com.
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