If waiting until August 30 to get your first taste of the 2008 edition of the Longhorn football team is unacceptable, UT officials have got your back. Last week the team announced two open practices to be held Wednesday and Thursday, including the first full-team practice of the season on Wednesday. The practices are scheduled to begin around 6:45 p.m. at Frank Denius Field (26th and Red River). Highlights should include new wrinkles in the offense, a three-way battle for playing time at the running back position and kicker Ryan Bailey periodically stretching over the course of two hours.

Additionally the team has scheduled its annual Fan Appreciation Day for August 16 at 11 a.m., during which players and coaches will be available for autographs and photo-ops.

Coming Friday: The first of four installments here on Austinist previewing the upcoming season for the Longhorns and teams across the Big 12. Subsequent articles to be published each Friday leading up to the home opener August 30.