March 23, 2007

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Head coach Andy Talley and the Villanova Wildcats will open spring practice on Friday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m. at Villanova Stadium. The Wildcats will finish their 15th and final practice on Sunday, April 22.

"We are excited to get back on the field. This group has worked very hard throughout the off season conditioning program and are ready to perform at a high level during spring practice," said Talley. "Winning the last four games of the season gives us a great deal of confidence as we hit the field this spring. We will make the most of our 15 spring practices as we begin preparing for next fall."

One of the main areas of focus for the Villanova coaching staff this spring is the play of sophomore quarterback Antwon Young. The 6-4, 210 pound Young redshirted last season after playing sparingly as a true freshman in 2005 when he completed 7-of-12 for 76 yards.

Young must replace Marvin Burroughs, who was lost to graduation, as the team's signal caller. As a senior last year, Burroughs completed 171-of-283 for 2,123 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 342 yards and six scores.

Villanova returns 12 starters and 27 letterwinners from last year's team that won its final four games of the year to finish 6-5 overall and 5-3 in the Atlantic 10 South Division. The Wildcats will open the 2007 season at Division I-A and ACC member University of Maryland. Villanova will also play a non conference game at Lehigh and will host Penn. In Colonial Athletic Conference play, Villanova will host Hofstra, Maine, William & Mary and Delaware and play at Massachusetts, Towson, Richmond and James Madision.

2007 VILLANOVA SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

Friday, March 23, 2007                  3:30 - 6 p.m.Sunday, March 25                2:30 - 5 p.m.Tuesday, March 27               7 - 9:30 a.m.Thursday, March 29              7 - 9:30 a.m.Saturday, March 31              1:30 - 4 p.m.Sunday, April 1                     1:30 - 4 p.m.Tuesday, April 3                7 - 9:30 a.m.Tuesday, April 10               7 - 9:30 a.m.Thursday, April 12              7 - 9:30 a.m.Friday, April 13                2:30 - 5 p.m.Sunday, April 15                2 - 4:30 p.m.Tuesday, April 17               7 - 9:30 a.m.Thursday, April 19              7 - 9:30 a.m.Friday, April 20                2:30 - 5 p.m.Sunday, April 22                11 - 12:30 p.m.