March 17, 2010

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. -

Head football coach Larry Porter guided the Tigers through their first of 15 spring practices Wednesday at the Murphy Athletic Complex on the turf field.  The squad will also work out on Thursday and Saturday this week.

"It was a typical first practice, not perfect by any means," said Porter.  "There is definitely a lot of room for improvement and I am looking forward to moving toward that.  There was a lot of intensity and the tempo was good.  I thought they took in what the coaches were trying to get them to do, but again we are a long way away."

The position of emphasis this spring is quarterback, and all five players took reps today.  Tyler Bass is back on the field after undergoing shoulder surgery in the fall, and is the only one in the group that has taken snaps for Memphis in a game.  Cannon Smith was able to practice with the squad last fall, but was not able to participate in games after transferring from Miami, and Will Gilchrist redshirted as a true freshman in 2009.  Two newcomers at the position include Ryan Williams, who graduated early from Miramar (FL) High, and Andy Summerlin who signed with Memphis in December after one year with Coffeyville CC.

"We saw some good things today and saw some good decisions out there, but I also saw some things I didn't like so again, there's room for improvement," said Porter when asked to assess the quarterbacks after practice.  "In terms of individually, I think they all have room to improve."

Following practice, Porter brought in former Tiger John "Bull" Bramlett (1959-62), to speak with the squad out on the field. Bramlett was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. Bramlett spoke of his life experiences and some of the bad choices he had made, and wrapped up with a message of how his life changed when he became a Christian.  Bramlett now runs John Bramlett Ministries.    

"He delivered a Christian message, which is something we all need," said Porter.  "I thought it was a very strong message and I thought the players heard him loud and clear."

Click HERE for the 2010 Spring Outlook.