Aug. 15, 2001

MEXICO, Mo.- The Missouri Tigers were in full pads on Wednesday morning and excited to be on the field. The Tigers practiced under cloudy skies and unseasonably cool temperatures.

The Tigers worked on the passing game inside the red zone on Wednesday morning while the defense worked on red zone defense. Several players stood out, including several of the younger Tigers. Defensively, freshman cornerback A.J. Kincade had an outstanding practice. He intercepted a pass in the end zone that was intended for wide receiver Brandon Barnes, and knocked down several other passes thrown into the end zone. Junior cornerback Antoine Duncan also had a good practice. Also playing well is junior outside safety Tauras Ferguson. Ferguson, who will be a defensive "Newcomer of the Year" candidate in the Big 12 Conference, picked off a pass this morning and has continued to display his amazing speed.

The Missouri quarterbacks continue to make progress. Freshman Santino "Sonny" Riccio had a great morning. Nearly every pass he threw resulted in a reception. Riccio connected with fellow frosh Sean Coffey on a couple of touchdown passes and also seemed to be in tune with sophomore receiver Brandon Severino, who has played well this week.