Football Practice Report
8/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 6, 2009
PRACTICE VIDEO: Highlights | Pinkel Comments | Alexander Comments
COLUMBIA, Mo. – What a difference a year makes. Taking to the Kadlec Athletic Fields for day one of fall football camp, the Missouri Tigers were the benefactors of unseasonably cool August weather in Mid-Missouri – some 20 degrees cooler than day one a year ago, when temperatures hovered near the 100 degree mark. Today, the Tigers went through drills on day one in much more manageable temperatures in the low 80s, and there was a definite spring in the step of the team as they worked out in shorts and helmets.
Coach Gary Pinkel put his team through the paces of a two-hour practice on day one. Here were some notes regarding the practice session…
Prior to practice, it was announced that redshirt freshman LB Zaviar Gooden would wear #25 for the remainder of his career. The jersey will be awarded to a linebacker in honor of former Tiger Aaron O'Neal, who passed away in July of 2005 after a voluntary conditioning workout. After honoring O'Neals memory in numerous ways, including through the 2008 season, when he would have been a senior, the team chose to continue to honor his memory by awarding his jersey in an honorary fashion going forward. Gooden was chosen as the first recipient of the honor, and he'll wear the number all through his days as a Tiger. Another linebacker will be chosen for the honor when his playing days are done…
On the injury front, junior college LB Josh Tatum did not practice Thursday, as he continues to rehab from off-season back surgery. Tatum injured his back during spring drills, and had surgery in May to correct the issue. He hopes to be cleared to practice in the near future. True freshman WR T.J. Moe wore a light injury bib, which kept him out of some drills Thursday, as he's continuing to work his way back from off-season foot surgery. He's expected to be fully cleared soon. Two more true freshmen were at camp but unable to practice due to injuries they sustained during their senior year of high school. Linebacker Adam Burton (knee) and offensive lineman Mark Hill (achilles' tendon) are in attendance but will be unable to participate in practice during camp…
Coach Pinkel told reporters that true freshman OL prospect Chris Freeman was not with the team currently, due to eligibility issues. He's working to get cleared with the NCAA, and it will likely be a day-to-day situation…
The first former player sighting of the season goes to Tommy Saunders, who came out to help his former team through the entire practice…
Former Tiger Coach Harry Smith stopped by practice for awhile, and he's looking spry and getting around very well, especially for a 91-year-young man…
Highlights from the day came from linebackers Will Ebner and Andrew Gachkar early on, as they both grabbed interceptions in passing game drill work. Later on, when it came down to 11-on-11 scrimmaging, QB Blaine Gabbert looked good in his few plays as he hooked up with TE Andrew Jones on a mid-range gainer, before showing good speed on the next play when he tucked the ball after finding no-one open downfield. He got about five yards downfield in a hurry, before he was met by Sean Weatherspoon, who could only touch Gabbert down. Spoon closed in a hurry and he most definitely would have laid a big hit on the QB were it a live game situation.
Soon after, Gabbert connected with senior WR Jared Perry on a sideline route for about 25 yards, and Perry made one move to get free as he scooted the remaining 25 yards for a long TD play. Sophomore FS Kenji Jackson got one back for the defense shortly thereafter, as he came over to knock the ball away from Jones on another sideline route.
Be sure to stay tuned to MUTigers.com for continuing practice reports as the Tigers prepare for their Sept. 5th season opener against rival Illinois. Mizzou will hold its second practice early Friday morning, at 7:15 a.m. We'll have the highlights here for you!
