Aug. 9, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo.- The Missouri Tigers battled hot temperatures on their first day of two-a-day practices on Thursday in Columbia. The Tigers dressed in helmets and shoulder pads for both practices. The pace was fast, and Head Coach Gary Pinkel was pleased with the enthusiasm.

The Tigers took extra precautions in the afternoon due to the high heat, allowing the team a few extra water breaks to cool down their body temperatures. While some players fought off the heat, other players thrived. Sophomore tailback Zack Abron looked very impressive on Thursday afternoon. Down 20 pounds from a year ago, Abron shot through several open holes with great quickness. On one play, Abron caught the sideline and sprinted some 50 yards down field, only to be eventually be caught by former running back, Dan Davis, who is now a Tiger defensive end. Davis, who had a very good spring learning his new position, looked very good on Thursday.

Tight end Dwayne Blakley also stood out on Thursday, not only as a receiver, but also as a blocker. Blakley caught nearly every ball thrown his way, and also got in several outstanding blocks, both down field and at the line of scrimmage.

In other football related news, senior offensive lineman Mike Hayes was named to the Sporting News All-Underrated Team. Hayes, an All-Big 12 Conference selection a year ago, was tabbed an honorable mention All-American by Street & Smith's preseason magazine last month.