March 13, 2007

Auburn, Ala. - Auburn football team returned to the practice fields Tuesday following off days on Sunday and Monday, working for 18 periods in warm conditions for a morning session. The Tigers' two-hour practice received high praises from head coach Tommy Tuberville.

"It was probably the best day of practice since we started," Tuberville said. "There was a sense of urgency out there today with the coaches and the players because they know we're running out of time."

Tuberville also addressed Saturday's 140-play scrimmage after having a chance to review the film.

"The scrimmage was good," Tuberville said. "We took a step forward. There were some areas offensively that we didn't do as well as we wanted to. Defensively, we ran a lot more things. I didn't think our linebackers played as well as they had the week before, but their heads were swimming as it was one of those mental days. They're competing hard and worked hard today to improve on that.

Redshirt punter Ryan Shoemaker received the praises of Tuberville for his work during the last two-plus weeks.

"Ryan Shoemaker is really punting well," Tuberville said. "I'm very pleased with the progress he's made in the 11 days of spring practice. He's got to be our guy and he will be. He's getting more confidence, that's what's good about watching him. Learning behind Kody (Bliss) last year really helped him. "

Auburn will practice Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. before taking Thursday off.

A-Day will be Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium.