Junior wide receiver Justin GageJunior wide receiver Justin Gage
Football

Missouri Football Practice Report

Aug. 13, 2001

MEXICO, Mo.- The Missouri Tigers arrived at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Mo. on Sunday morning and were dressed in full pads on Sunday afternoon for practice. The Tigers have spent the last two practices in full pads.

On Sunday afternoon, the Missouri offense concentrated on the passing game. Junior wide receiver Justin Gage continued his impressive preseason, catching nearly every ball thrown his way. Sophomore Tay Jackson also had a very good practice, and sophomore Brandon Barnes looks to be all the way back from a broken ankle that sidelined him last season. Freshman Thomson Omboga has also looked very good.

Defensively, linebackers Jamonte Robinson and Sean Doyle have been leading a talented group of inside backers who look to be improving each day. The young secondary continues to make strides. Freshman Justin Scott stepped in front of a pass on Sunday for an interception and returned it to the end zone.

HARD HITS: There has not been a whole lot of hitting going on, despite being in full pads, but there have already been a good share of hard hits. Outside safety Tauras Ferguson welcomed freshman tight end Earl Stephens to college football with a pretty good lick on Sunday. A couple of plays later, Ferguson paid the price on a great down field block by wide receiver Brandon Severino that put Ferguson to the turf. The hit of the camp so far was delivered by senior defensive end Eric Earthly who landed a crushing tackle on freshman wide receiver Chris Crosby on Monday morning.

SPECIAL GUEST: The Missouri football team was addressed by former Tiger running back Norris Stevenson following Monday morning's practice. Stevenson came to Missouri in 1957, becoming the first African-American to be awarded a scholarship at Mizzou. Stevenson lettered in 1958-1960.

MEDIA COVERAGE: Many of the Missouri Tigers were busy doing interviews following Monday morning's practice. As a matter of fact, 28 players were requested for interviews on Monday. That is over one quarter of the Tigers 105-man preseason roster.