Aug. 13, 2007

MEMPHIS, TENN. - The Tigers worked through their first two-a-day session Monday, and Coach Tommy West appeared pleased with the production of his team.

"I thought we had a really good day," said West following the morning practice. "I am really pleased with how they came to work this morning. We did most of our work as far as contact and run game this morning."

West altered the schedule a bit and chose to work out at the Murphy Complex instead of taking the team to the Liberty Bowl for its first scrimmage. Practice began around 6:30 a.m., under mild temperatures and the workout was highlighted mainly by team work and several mini-scrimmages.

"This team has a chance if we will just do the little things right and have attention to detail," West stated. "This could be a really good team. I am really pleased with where we are offensively right now. Defensively, we are still learning to play and learning philosophies, but we are getting better."

The squad returned to the field at 5 p.m., under much warmer conditions. The temperature read 101-plus degrees at the start of the second workout, and with the exception of some cloud cover midway through practice, remained rather hot. The Tigers were in shorts and shoulder pads for the afternoon practice, which lasted about an hour and 45 minutes.

Several former Tigers came out to watch the afternoon workout including Darron White, Derrick Ballard, Chris Powers, Jamaal Rufus and Patrick Byrne. In addition, members of the UM baseball staff braved the heat to show their support and catch a glimpse of the Tigers.

Tomorrow the Tigers will have just one morning practice and are scheduled for another two-a-day session on Wednesday.