March 17, 2007

Columbia, Mo. -

The University of Missouri football team underwent its third of 15 spring practices this morning in Columbia, Mo., and the session was a two-and-a-half hour affair in the toasty confines of the Dan Devine Indoor Pavilion.  The practice was forced indoors due to a snowstorm that hit Columbia in the morning.

Head Coach Gary Pinkel labeled today's work as a pleasingly physical day, as the squad got its first work in with full pads.  New NCAA rules mandate that full pads cannot be worn in spring drills until the third practice.

Junior linebacker Brock Christopher suffered a sprained right ankle midway through the day, and sat out the remainder of the practice.  His availability is unknown right now, but with only two practices next week prior to spring break, he should be okay to return after that.

Also on the injury front, walk-on safety Devon Lenauer suffered what is believed to be a separated shoulder early in the day while working on one-on-one tackling drills.

In terms of highlights, there were standouts on both sides of the ball, as many Tigers made big plays.  Just a few included...

• TB Tony Temple made several nice runs, with the standout effort a counter that he cut up the middle, put on a burst of speed to break arm tackles and race untouched for a 50-yard TD.
• LB Van Alexander made some big hits, and also got a PBU moments later when he blitzed from his position.
• QB Chase Patton had a good day, as he was seen completing 4-5 consecutive passes late in the practice in 11-on-11 work with the number two offense.
• QB Chase Daniel hit his regular number of various receivers throughout the day, and had a particularly nice play late as he hooked up with TE Chase Coffman for a big gain over the middle that was the 2nd or 3rd option on the play.
• CB Hardy Ricks and Trenile Washington both had impressive hits late in the day.  Speaking of big hits, WR Danario Alexander showed he is more than just a pass-catcher, as he laid a big block on DE Tarell Corby to clear the way for TB Marcus Woods to get a nice gain on a sweep.

Mizzou will resume practice with sessions next Tuesday and Thursday, before breaking for spring break.  Don't forget to make plans to attend the annual Black and Gold Spring Game, which is set for Saturday, April 21st at 2 p.m. at Faurot Field.  Stay tuned to www.mutigers.com for more details on the weekend.

NOTES

• Spring ball is normally a time where a lot of jersey changes take place, as returning players seek to get numbers vacated by departing seniors.  The list of changes so far includes: S William Moore (now #1, was #21); S Kevin Rutland (now #2, was #16), CB La'Roderick Thomas (now #7, was #30); S Del Howard (now #15, was #17), CB Castine Bridges (now #21, was #36); LB Marquis Booker (now #30, was #40); DE Tommy Chavis (now #48, was #63); DL Zach Milligan (now #59, was #65); WR Blake May (now #89, was #26)...
• Many new additions to the squad have joined on, we'll recap them in a later practice report next week.
• Spring Football Game Programs are in and available for purchase for those interested.  The cost is $5, and that includes shipping and handling.  To purchase the books, which are over 100 pages and in full color featuring a spring preview, updated player and coach bios and stats, send a check or money order, payable to the University of Missouri, to Mizzou Athletic Media Relations, P.O. Box 677, Hearnes Center, Columbia, Mo. 65205.