Blue Raiders return to the practice field

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - After going through winter workouts the last two months, Middle Tennessee returned to the football field on Monday for the start of spring drills.

The Blue Raiders, who return 36 lettermen and 11 starters, spent the majority of the 20-period practice focusing on fundamentals before ending the workout with four team periods.

Despite the windy conditions, head coach Rick Stockstill was pleased with his team's first practice.

"I thought we competed today, showed a lot of enthusiasm, and for the most part gave good effort," said Stockstill. "We were inconsistent throwing the football but that is to be expected on the first day. Defensively, we flew around and showed a lot of energy but we need to do a better job of staying on our feet. Overall, I was really pleased with the practice."

The Blue Raiders, who conclude spring drills with the Blue-White Game on April 12, will return to the practice field on Wednesday.

Notes: QB Joe Craddock and WR Wes Caldwell took a break from their baseball duties to participate in today's workout ... Former players Franklin Dunbar, Erik Walden, DeMarco McNair, and Damon Nickson all made an appearance at Monday's workout ... Newcomers Immanuel Chu, Jamari Lattimore and Jeremy Michel all participated in today's practice ... Jeremy Perry, who started his Blue Raider career as a quarterback before moving to safety, started spring drills at wide receiver.

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