Aug. 14, 2010

MEMPHIS, TENN. -

Day 6 Photo Gallery

Coach Larry Porter's first game as a head coach is officially three weeks away and today he took his Tigers through their first two-a-day session at the Murphy Athletic Complex. The squad worked out in full pads this morning, and is coming back in shorts this evening.

Porter moved the second practice back until about 6 p.m., in order to allow for more rest in between sessions and possibly to simulate what game temps could be when the Tigers open at Mississippi State on Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. Again this morning, Porter expressed frustration in not being able to get continuity in the workouts because several players are missing practice due to heat and other minor injuries.

"The biggest issue is still heat right now," said Porter. "We will fight through it and rise above it as we go forward."

Porter also indicated he may delay the Tigers' first scrimmage until he feels he can get quality work out of the squad. He originally had a scrimmage slated for Tuesday, though he has been working some periods of situational scrimmage each practice.

The Tigers open each practice with special teams work and kicker Paulo Henriques continues to work on placekicking while Australian newcomer Tom Hornsey worked his punts while Coach Don Yanowsky took the team through kick coverage. The kicking corps, which lost kicker/punter Matt Reagan to graduation, has added several newcomers to camp. In addition to Hornsey, Andrew Diamond (Jackson, Miss.), Rick Moody (Milan,TN) and Tyler Spurlock (Olive Branch, MS) are all creating competition in the kicking game. The group also returns senior snapper Keenan Bratcher, sophomore punter Austin Weaver and sophomore snapper Jeremy Singler.

During some of the scrimmage work today, a couple of plays stood out including a 35-yard catch by transfer Delmon Robinson, a stout run by Gregory Ray and strikes from QB Ryan Williams and QB Cannon Smith to Cam Baker, Curtis Johnson and Marcus Rucker.

"This morning practice was exactly what I wanted, and if we can carry that over into the PM practice and improve throughout the rest of the day, then I will think that is an accomplished day in terms of the things that we want to get done as well as improving," said Porter.

"You can see that there is improvement within the quarterback position as far as decision making and guys being able to manage the offense so I am excited about that," added Porter. "We have to continue to improve. After a week, I can say that both guys have improved."

Porter also commended freshman Johnnie Farms for his work ethic and growth during these six practices.

"A guy that has raised his level of play and used the summer to improve is Johnnie Farms," Porter said. "He has really come to life. I am not saying he is there, but I do like his progress as well as his growth. I think he is working himself in position to play and he is pressuring some of those young guys. He is really showing that he wants to play and I look forward to seeing him grow."

The Tigers had lunch and some rest time before heading back to the practice facility for meetings at 4 p.m. Porter indicated that there would be more emphasis on the passing game in the evening as well as extensive special teams focus.

The squad will not have practice on Sunday but is expected to pick back up with a double session on Monday.

Congratulations go out to senior defensive back D.A. Griffin, who will officially earn his degree on Sunday. Griffin becomes the seventh Tiger on the current squad, who will have earned his degree by the start of the season. Other graduates from last May and December include Charlie Bryant, Malcolm Jones, John McArthur, Deven Onarheim, Dominik Riley and Bryan Wright.

See below for a post-practice interview with Porter as well as a short highlight of the quarterbacks and receivers from this morning's practice.