Missouri Football Practice Report
8/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2001
MEXICO, Mo.- The Missouri Tigers football team is taking advantage of the cooler temperatures. With highs in the low to mid 80's each of the last two days, practices have been intense and spirited. The Tigers went in just helmets on Monday afternoon, and came back on Tuesday morning in full pads.
Special teams continue to be a major point of emphasis. The Tigers have spent a considerable amount of time each and every practice on the kicking game, whether it be punting, PAT/field goal, or kick coverage. Senior kicker Brad Hammerich is having an outstanding camp. He has been consistent on PAT/field goals and has been booting nearly every ball into the end zone on kickoffs. Redshirt freshman Brock Harvey and senior Jared Gilpin continue to duel for the punting chores.
Offensively, most of the talk continues to center around the play of wide receiver Justin Gage. The junior from Jefferson City continues to catch nearly every ball in sight and has been working extremely hard. Sophomore receiver Shirdonya Mitchell has also opened some eyes during the last few practices. Mitchell is a speed burner and isn't afraid to make a catch up the middle in traffic.
On Tuesday morning, the offense and defense came together for live rushing drills. The defense got off to a great start, led by senior linebacker Jamonte Robinson. Robinson stuffed a couple of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Outside safety Marcus Caldwell also made a big play, stripping running back Zain Gilmore of the football that led to a turnover. The offense bounced back behind a veteran offensive line that was able to create some holes for running backs Gilmore, Zack Abron, T.J. Leon and freshman Tyrone Roberson. Gilmore had an excellent practice on Tuesday morning, as did the freshman, Roberson.
AIR TIME: Some of the local radio affiliates have come to Mexico this week to catch up with some hometown heroes that are wearing the black and gold. KXEO in Mexico and KRES in Moberly were on hand Tuesday to interview some local players such as wide receiver Darren Baldwin (Auxvasse), Marcus Caldwell (Palmyra), Ben Davidson (Centralia), Shan Schauffler (Westran H.S.) and Justin Bland (Chillicothe).
TENT BUILDERS: A giant tent was set up during the second practice on Monday afternoon in the northwest corner of the stadium in Mexico to use as a cooling off area for the players. The tent, donated by the Columbia Quarterback Club, was set up with the help of two of the voices of the Tiger Network, Gary Link and John Kadlec.
