Aug. 16, 2010

MEMPHIS, TENN. -

Today's Practice Photo Gallery

The Tiger football team had its second two-a-day session Monday at the Murphy Athletic Complex. The morning session featured a break from the heat with the temperature in the 80s instead of the triple digits the team experienced last week.

"We were going to go out in the heat today regardless," said head coach Larry Porter. "It is just that time, it's camp. You've just got to fight through it and rise above it. That's just where we are, it's critical in terms of the growth of this team."

The squad was in full pads in the morning and shells for the afternoon session. Porter took his team through about two hours of practice each session and mixed in some situation scrimmage work. The team also had a heavy focus on special teams. The defense brought the pressure late in the afternoon session scrimmage, logging several sacks.

Coach Larry Porter expressed some displeasure in the offense, though he did commend the offensive line. He also said that he was happy with several defensive players including Darius Davis, Marcus Ball, Winston Bowens and Justin Thompson. "I am pleased with the attitude with which that group approaches practice," said Porter.

Running back Lance Smith, who suffered a broken ankle in the spring, was in full pads and worked some of the team drills today. He made some good runs as did Marcus Hightower and Gregory Ray. Smith was in a non-contact jersey for the afternoon session. The running backs have a new addition as redshirt freshman Randy Powell was moved from the secondary to the offense.

"Lance's attitude has been phenomenal as far as pursuing the field and showing us that he is ready to get back out there," said Porter. "We will allow him to do as much as he can. My hat is off to him for his approach and his attitude. He is not 100 percent, but I will say that his decision making out there is impressive. It was today as far as some of the decisions he made today and some of the things he was able to do."

Porter also spoke about the receivers following practice.

"Well this is the week that guys have to emerge to the forefront in terms of the ones that we can count on," said Porter. "I think it has been pretty competitive but it's time that guys start separating themselves throughout the course of the week."

"Jermaine McKenzie has been pretty consistent," added Porter. "(Marcus) Rucker needs to become consistent. Billy Foster is becoming consistent enough to let us know that we can count on him. We just have to keep putting them in positions to continue to show us that. (Curtis) Trey Johnson has always been solid in terms of his play and his effort and his consistency."

Porter said that he felt there was improvement from the first practice to the second one today.

"Collectively, I think this afternoon was better," said Porter. "The offense improved and the defense is starting to truly have a presence out there."

The unsung heroes of fall camp have been the athletic training staff under the direction of Amos Mansfield. Mansfield relies on a cast of students, interns and graduate assistants as well as a stable of doctors and paramedics to cover each and every practice as well as treatment. According to Mansfield, the Tigers typically go through 2,000 pounds of ice, 400 gallons of water and 10 cases of bottled Gatorade each day.

The Tigers will have one practice on Tuesday morning and Porter said the plan is for some live scrimmage action.

Tiger Nation will have its first chance to meet and greet the 2010 Tigers at Football FanFest on Aug. 22 from 3-5 p.m., on the U of M campus. The outdoor activities such as the bounce centers and face-painting will take place on Memorial Field outside of the Elma Roane Fieldhouse which is located on Zach Curlin Blvd. The autograph session will be held in the main gym of the Fieldhouse.

See below for highlights from practice as well as interviews with running back Marcus Hightower, safety Marcus Ball and Coach Porter.