March 8, 2003

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri football had its third of 15 spring practice sessions today, and the Tigers underwent a 2 1/2 hour session Saturday morning at Faurot Field. Wearing pads for the first time this spring, the Tiger defense stood out during the scrimmaging that took place toward the latter part of the practice.

Here's a brief recap of some plays made during Saturday's scrimmaging...

*-Sophomore cornerback A.J. Kincade had a nice sequence where he recovered a fumble and broke up a pass in succession;

*-Sophomore nose tackle C.J. Mosley recovered a fumble forced by senior CB Michael Harden. Mosley later made a big stop for a loss on a goal line situation play;

*-Junior outside safety Brian Fuller grabbed an interception;

*-Sophomore rover Quincy Wade got in the backfield for a quarterback sack;

*-Freshman rover Dedrick Harrington forced an incomplete pass with his quarterback hurry;

*-Junior defensive end Atiyyah Ellison broke up a pass;

*-Freshman whip Marcus Bacon laid a big hit on a running back on a play over the right side;

Some offensive team highlights included:

*-Sophomore quarterback Sonny Riccio completed a nice out pattern for a 25-yard gain;

*-Junior wideout Thomson Omboga made a nice diving catch over the middle of a deflected pass;

*-Freshman tight end DeQuincy Howard had an impressive catch and run over the middle;

*-Sophomore quarterback Brad Smith connected with Omboga over the middle for a nice gain of over 20 yards;

*-Riccio connected with freshman receiver Greg Nutter for a nice gain on a wide receiver screen;

*-Riccio hooked up with junior tight end Clint Matthews for a nice 15-yard gain;

*-Freshman quarterback Josh Hibbets made a nice 10-yard pass to a Tiger tight end;

Mizzou is off until Tuesday, when they resume spring practice with a 3:30 p.m. workout. Practices are open to season ticket holders. Please call (573) 882-2215 to make arrangments for attending practice.

Three upcoming scrimmages will be open to the public. Those will be held Saturday, March 15th at 9 a.m., Saturday April 5th at 9 a.m. and the annual Black and Gold Game, scheduled for Saturday, April 12th at 2 p.m.