Monday links roundup

By Chris Lang
Sports writer
Published: August 4, 2008

Couple of quick links from around the league as I sip on my third cup of coffee ...

Coastal Carolina: Quarterback Jamie Childers, the presumed starter heading into training camp, will be out three to six weeks after contracting viral meningitis. CCU coach David Bennett raved about Childers during the Big South’s media day in Charlotte, complimenting the freshman’s size, arm strength and poise. Zach MacDowell, a Wake Forest transfer, and Will Richardson, who started most of last season, will battle for reps at No. 1 QB in Childers’ absence. Coastal opens its season at Penn State, where Will’s brother Wally was once the QB.

More from CCU beat guy Travis Sawchik in the Myrtle Beach Sun News here.

Charleston Southern: Not much news coming from Buc football camp, but the basketball team is in Poland on an international tour. The Bucs return four starters from last year’s team, and coach Barclay Radebaugh took eight players with him to Poland for games against four professional clubs.

Gardner-Webb: The Shelby Star reports on the first day of Bulldog practice. One other note: I noticed at Big South media day that the Gardner-Webb helmet has changed from the old silver helmet to a black helmet with a larger Bulldog logo. Looks sharp.

The State’s Patrick Obley gives his take on the Big South’s guarantee games this season. On opening weekend, Charleston Southern takes on Miami and Coastal Carolina meets Penn State.

Presbyterian: The Big South continues to expedite PC’s move into the conference. Blue Hose players will be eligible for all-conference honors this fall and PC will compete for the Big South regular-season title beginning next season, thanks to a home-and-home series scheduled between PC and Big South football newcomer Stony Brook. More here.

A couple of other quick housekeeping notes:

* Former Liberty offensive tackle Stephen Sene was released by the St. Louis Rams late last week. Sene was in camp as an undrafted free agent.

* Former LU linebacker Vince Redd was back at Patriots practice Saturday after missing some time due to an injury. He wore a non-contact red jersey Saturday but was back in full-contact blue Sunday, according to the Boston Globe.