Middle Tennessee is wasting no time in improving their
football program for the upcoming season. This team wants to return to the top
of the Sun Belt like all others. Hard work is what those guys been putting in during
this preseason camp.
Head Coach Rick Stockstill has been very pleased with
his freshman class during preseason camp and he feels like three or four could
contribute immediately. Running back Jordan Parker, LB T.T. Barber,
WR Terry Pettis, and DT Darious Bennett have all caught his eye.
"Parker has picked up the offense fast, is a
physical runner, good in protection, and does a nice job catching the ball.
Barber has had the benefit of a lot of reps due to injuries and has made the
most of his opportunity. He is very explosive, seems to always be around the
football, and has made a lot of plays during camp.
"Pettis is a big target who continues to improve
but he still needs to adjust to the speed of the game and Bennett is a guy up
front who may have a shot."
During
their first scrimmage on last Saturday, many players show their strengths and
weakness. But overall the team is coming together. The Blue Raiders ran 116
total plays and another five in goal line situations.
Starting
quarterback Logan Kilgore directed three touchdown drives while
completing 8 of 17 passes for 129 yards. Kilgore, who had a touchdown pass of
40 yards to Vincent Van Horne during the regular part of the
scrimmage, also had a touchdown pass during goal line. Backup Jeff Murphy completed
11 of 17 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Newcomer Drayton
Calhoun led the rushing attack with 60 yards on 16 carries and a
touchdown, while freshman Jordan Parker added 28 yards on seven
attempts and junior William Pratcher carried it nine times for 26
yards. Senior Benny Cunningham, who played just one series, had three attempts
for 20 yards and a touchdown, while Kyle Griswould recorded a 42-yard
run.
Defensively,
the Blue Raiders registered six sacks, five pass breakups, an interception for
a touchdown, and a fumble recovery.
Middle
Tennessee held its last open practice to the public on yesterday and preparing
for it’s their second scrimmage. The Blue Raiders will open their regular
season against McNeese State in less than two weeks.
