Auburn Football Practice Report - AuburnTigers.com - Auburn University Official Athletic Site

Auburn Football Practice Report Tigers open spring drills on Tuesday

Tight End Cole Bennett and Linebacker Will Herring

Feb. 28, 2006

Auburn, Ala. - Auburn started 2006 spring practice in above average temperatures that reached the low 70s as the Tigers worked for nearly two hours in shorts Tuesday at the practice fields. The Tigers will work in shorts again on Wednesday before moving to full pads on Thursday. Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville addressed the media following Tuesday's opening workout and was pleased with the results from the first day.

"It's good to be back," Tuberville said. "We've got a lot of young guys. It looks like we've got a lot of quickness and speed. There's a lot of interesting moves going on. I watched Will Herring (at linebacker) and he's going to be fine. He's a smart guy and understands what he's going to have to do. You don't know until you put on pads, but I think he's going to be a good addition at linebacker.

Tuberville also complimented the work of junior wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez and senior receiver Courtney Taylor.

"Prechae Rodriquez has really moved up. He has a lot more quickness and has gotten stronger. He's put on weight and is more physical which is going to help him. Courtney Taylor is back 100 percent and looks good. With all of the young guys there's going to be a lot of competition at receiver to break into the top six. That's an area we're going to really concentrate on along with linebacker and defensive line.

Tuesday's practice also was the first for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and linebackers coach James Willis.

"Our new coaches, Will and James, have taken the bull by the horns and ran hard with it," Tuberville said. "They've got a lot of enthusiasm. It was good to see them out there."

Auburn will practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before participating in the first scrimmage Saturday. All mid-week practices are held at 4:15 p.m. while Saturday's scrimmage will be at 10 a.m.