Dallas, Texas -- The Southern Methodist University football team continued two-a-day practices on Monday, conducting a pair of two-hour workouts in shells on the SMU practice fields. The early part of both workouts were spent on special teams work while the later portions focused on fundamentals.

"We have done about as much as we can do without pads," said Mustang head coach Mike Cavan. "Tomorrow we will put them on and see how everyone responds."

On Monday, junior quarterback Josh McCown looked sharp in one-on-one and seven-on-seven passing drills. The Mustang defense, however, got the best of skeleton passing drills. Cornerback Brent Briggs keyed their effort with an interception return for a touchdown.

"Josh has been very sharp so far," said Cavan. "He worked very hard during the summer to prepare himself for the season. The defense got after our receivers a bit in seven-on-seven. They looked very aggressive."

In one other note, sophomore Billy Ford has been moved from linebacker to tight end. Ford, who played in every game and made 16 tackles last season worked out at his new position in both practices today.

Junior defensive end Kevin Aldridge returned to practice on Monday. He had missed Friday and Saturday's sessions with high blood pressure. No other injuries were reported on Monday.

The Mustangs will conduct their first scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday. SMU opens its 2000 season on September 2 when it hosts Kansas at 6:00 p.m.