Freshmen Take the Field
8/4/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 4, 2001
COLUMBIA, Mo.- The University of Missouri's freshmen football players took the practice field for the first time on Saturday. All 30 newcomers that were expected to report were in attendance. The Tigers practiced for approximately 90 minutes both in the morning and afternoon in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts. Both practices were held under sunny skies with temperatures in the low 90's and very little humidity.
It was a learning day for the new Tigers. The Missouri coaching staff taught the newcomers everything from how they take the field for practice, how they stretch, how they huddle to how they run. The Tiger newcomers were also introduced to some basic formations both offensively and defensively.
Head Coach Gary Pinkel said that the first day is all about evaluations, and said he was very pleased with what he saw. Coach Pinkel has claimed that he is going to recruit speed. It was very evident Saturday that Pinkel and his staff succeeded in that department. It was also obvious that the Missouri newcomers reported in very good condition. Not one player struggled through morning conditioning.
The Tiger newcomers will take the field again for two practices on Sunday.
