Aug. 5, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo.- The University of Missouri football newcomers completed their two-day camp on Sunday on a hot day in Columbia. The Tigers picked up the tempo from Saturday with a strong Sunday morning practice in shoulder pads and helmets. The afternoon practice was a walk-through in just helmets.

Head Coach Gary Pinkel said he is very happy with what he has seen out of his newcomers after four practices.

"It takes a while to get in a comfort zone, but overall I am very, very pleased," said Pinkel.

Pinkel stated how pleased he is with the athleticism that the Tiger newcomers bring to the team. That athleticism was evident during skeleton drills in the morning. There were several great battles between the Tiger wide receivers and defensive backs. Both freshmen quarterbacks Brad Smith and Santino Riccio were solid in the morning, hooking up with talented receivers Thomson Omboga, Chris Crosby, Sean Coffey and Calvin Washington. Tight ends Ben Frederickson and Earl Stephens also looked good.

The talented group of defensive backs held their own as well. St. Louis products A.J. Kincade and Quincy Wade along with Irving, Texas native Marcus King were just three of several young defensive backs to stand out over the weekend.

"Defensive back is a position you cannot fall off on the depth chart," said Pinkel. "We have a lot of freshmen that are going to be able to help this team out."

Pinkel is very impressed with the speed of his wide receivers.

"You are seeing a lot of bigger receivers around. We already have a couple of big receivers, and if you add some guys that can run, you have the best of both worlds," said Pinkel.

The Missouri newcomers will spend Monday going through academic orientation. The veterans will report on Tuesday. The Tigers will next take the practice field on Thursday morning.