Coach Justin Fuente was not pleased with his football team’s performance during their Tuesday practice.
On Thursday, Fuente said he got the response he expected, but there is still a long way to go.
“They did what you would hope,” Fuente said after practice. “They responded and came out and flew around. Our execution level is still not where it needs to be, not anywhere close. We can get better with that kind of effort (today). We have a chance with that kind of effort and intensity. There are a bunch of little things we’ve got to get dialed in during the spring. We’ve got to do a good job getting those points across.”
Due to losing two practices right before spring break due to inclement weather, the Tigers will practice four times in the next two weeks instead of the original three to make up for the days lost.
Memphis football will hope the days of losing practices due to inclement weather are near the end. A building permit was pulled on Wednesday for a $15 million indoor football practice facility to be built at the University of Memphis South Campus, according to The Memphis Flyer.
Fuente said it is paramount that it gets done.
“It’s absolutely essential and we will (get it done),” Fuente said. “It’s not just the about (it being) indoor, but getting our offices over here will help us interact with our kids more. It will be a place to practice, and it kind of helps that our offices are were our kids are all the time.”
He also said that while the weather played a big part in eventually getting this done. They will still practice outside from time to time.
“Yeah it lets you practice in some inclement weather,” Fuente said. “I mean that’s a huge part of it as well. We’ll use both of them though. We’ll go outside sometimes, when it’s bad. You really worry about it during the season. You come out in the middle of the season, and it’s a Tuesday and it’s your big practice (of the week) and there is some lightning and thunder and there is only so much you can do. It’s a huge part of what we’re trying to do (as a program).”
Fuente said despite having a bunch of guys back offensively that they still have a lot of things they would like to look at.
“But we still got to look at people on both sides of the ball,” Fuente said. “So we’re still trying to evaluate a bunch of guys. I don't think there is anyone that would make me go on the table that would make me say ‘oh my God’. But as a group, I’m seeing improvement, Lord knows we need it.”
Two players Fuente discussed after practice are redshirt junior tight end and junior wide receiver Greg McKillion. Despite playing different positions, Fuente said they are very similar players.
“They are very good players,” Fuente said. “They are talented athletes but raw. Technique and assignment and all the little things that go into learning a position they are raw on. Greg’s (McKillion) made some good strides, but he has a lot of work to do. If it’s important to both guys they both have a chance.”
He said McKillion has got to embrace his big body. McKillion is 6-foot-5, 225 pounds.
“There is a reason we recruit these guys,” Fuente said. “(McKillion’s) a big strong kid he’s got to embrace that. Part of playing well at your position is identifying what you should be. If you’re a bruising running back you shouldn’t do four or five cuts in the hole. If you’re a big wide receiver you’ve got to learn to use that. It’s not always easy, it takes time to learn how to use your body.”
One player who has stood out on defense is junior corner Dontrell Nelson. He is ahead of all the cornerbacks right now, according to Fuente.
“He can really run and he’s played a lot,” Fuente said. “Even when we had three seniors he played quite a bit. He’s probably the fastest kid we have.”
Memphis will resume spring practice on Friday, before a scrimmage on Sunday.
