FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE 
AUSTIN, Texas — As if trying to lend credence to the name Fall Ball, the weather was cool and rainy as the Texas Longhorns converged on UFCU Disch-Falk Field for their first full-team practice on Thursday.
Another piece of the bridge spanning the gap between the 2009 and 2010 seasons began to take shape and there were some noticeable changes.
Most noticeable was at first base, where junior Kevin Keyes was taking ground balls and fielding throws from around the horn.
"Coach and I talked about it," Keyes said, "and we’re going to try this out in the fall and see where it goes. I’m excited about the challenge."
Cameron Rupp was also getting in some work at first base.
At second base, sophomore Jordan Etier and freshman Jordan Weymouth were seeing most of the action. Both players were also getting work in at shortstop, where Brandon Loy returns as the starter.
Junior Tant Shepherd and sophomore Kevin Lusson were taking turns at the hot corner in hopes of replacing Michael Torres. Lusson served as Torres’ backup late in the season, while Shepherd saw time in leftfield.
Eight players took turns roaming the outfield. Newcomers Hoby Milner, Paul Montalbano and Jonathan Walsh joined sophomore Tim Maitland in leftfield. Returning starter Connor Rowe and Cohl Walla patrolled centerfield. Senior Kyle Lusson and two-way sophomore Sam Stafford snagged fly balls in right field.
Four players got work behind the plate including returning starter Rupp along with senior Russell Moldenhauer and newcomers Nick DeSantiago and Walsh.
"It was good to get back on the field," Rupp said. "This is all I thought about after that last game in Omaha. Getting back here on the field and working on getting the chemistry of this team to be as good as the chemistry we had last year."
The Longhorns will practice through the month of October, culminating in a 1 p.m. scrimmage against Texas State at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on November 1. Texas also plays Baylor in a 1 p.m. scrimmage at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on October 4.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN
