Aug. 8, 2012

After a pair of initial practices in just helmets, the University of Memphis football team moved to the next phase of preseason camp. The Tigers put on shoulder pads for the first time and went through a two-hour workout which included limited contact for the first time this season.

"It was fun. It was a little sluggish to start with," first-year head coach Justin Fuente said. "We still have things to correct on how we want to practice. We are going to get those corrected because they are starting to get on my nerves."

But Fuente added there were plenty of good things which occurred on the third day of the preseason.

"We got to do all the fun drills that everyone looks forward to in shells," he said. "We had a good time."

"Things are going good," added linebacker Charles Harris. "The defense is flying around and moving around to the ball, trying to stay on top of our coverages and minimize as many mental mistakes as possible."

The Tigers will continue a week of acclimation with one more day in shells before being able to move into full pads on Friday. The team's first set of two-a-day practices will come on Saturday, wrapping up the first week of camp.

With the end of the week, the Tigers will move to within three weeks of the season opener. Memphis will play host to UT Martin on Sept. 1 in the opener at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase at www.GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Tigers Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.

Fuente said he has seen progress but the Tigers still "have a million miles to go."

"I am proud of them," he said. "They have been through a lot in the past and they are doing what we ask. But as far as where we need to go and the big picture, we have a long way to go. I am looking for some battle and some fight."