Stockstill not as upbeat after third practice

After two days of heaping praise on his Blue Raiders, third-year Middle Tennessee football coach Rick Stockstill finally had reason to be somewhat displeased following his team's third preseason practice Monday.

Photos: Fall Camp Photo Gallery

"I thought we were a little sloppy today," Stockstill said. "I thought we lacked some leadership today. I didn't think the offense was particularly sharp and I didn't see any leadership when things got bad. That's what we talked about afterwards. I think some guys are making individual improvement but as a team I didn't think we were very good today.

"This was our worst practice of the three defensively. I thought we had started out with two good ones but I didn't think we got better today."

The Blue Raiders donned shoulder pads for the first time after practicing in shorts and helmets the first two days of camp. Stockstill said the biggest reason for a slippage in production is the abundance of information players are getting in a short time.

"Some of it is to be expected because it is the third day and every day is something new," Stockstill said. "We are so young there is going to be mistakes. If we can just get through these first four or five days where we are throwing everything at them offensively and defensively, then we will go back and repeat it and that will help."

SHAPE UP: Because all players now report at once and go through a five-day NCAA-mandated acclimatization period before donning full pads it makes it more important than ever for players, particularly newcomers, to report in shape.

It could be the difference in earning a spot or playing time.

"Freshmen are never going to report in good enough shape because they don't know what to expect," Stockstill said. "They do have to report in pretty good shape because if they don't they get nagging injuries and miss a couple of days. When that happens it puts them too far behind because we go so fast in August."

Stockstill said the ways the first five days of practice are currently set up, newcomers have a chance to learn and focus on the mental part of the game.

"You have to be a little more individual the first five days because you can't do as much contact work in shorts, or shorts and helmets, so it slows it down a little for the younger guys to try and pick it up better as far as offensive and defensive schemes."

GROWING UP FAST: Mike Williams has not played a down at Middle Tennessee but the redshirt freshman believes he's ready to make an impact on the Blue Raiders' offensive line in 2008.

Williams is a 6-foot-3, 265-pounder out of Thomas Jefferson High School in Tampa who spent last season watching and learning. The tough competitor said former Blue Raider Franklin Dunbar proved to be a good mentor, as well as offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens.

"I'm not worried about being young and stepping in this year because I learned so much playing behind (Dunbar) last year," Williams said. "He taught me a lot and helped me each day. Coach Stephens is a great coach and he has helped me with technique. I believe I'm ready to step in and contribute."

Williams will get his opportunity as injuries along the offensive line have riddled the unit and coaches are still anxiously awaiting the return of some key personnel.

"I don't' know if we have enough guys to even move around on the line," Stockstill said. "The numbers are slim but the guys we have up there are competing and working hard so that's a positive."

NEXT PRACTICE: The Blue Raiders will practice on Tuesday beginning at 5:15 PM.

SEASON TICKETS: 1-888-YES-MTSU OR GoBlueRaiders.com

BLUE RAIDER BLAST: A Blue Raider Blast will be held at in Central Park at The Avenue mall in Murfreesboro, Thursday, August 7, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meet coaches, cheerleaders, dance team members, Lightning and more. Representatives from the athletic department will also be on hand with football schedules, season ticket, and BRAA information. Register to win door prizes, including Blue Raider apparel and merchandise from select Avenue merchants.

FAN/MEDIA DAY: Middle Tennessee's annual Fan/Media Day is scheduled for August 10 at 2:00 PM in Murphy Center. There will be free hot dogs and cokes given away while supplies last, and games for the kids. As always, fans can get player autographs and photos so make plans now to check out this year's team as they prepare for the season-opener on August 28.

FENTON PAYNE AND FRED 5K: On Saturday morning, Aug. 23, the fifth annual Fenton Payne and Fred 5K Run/Walk to take place on the campus of Middle Tennessee. The event will get underway at 7:30 AM with registration at Peck Hall. The cost is $25 with cash prizes going to the winning male and female and the overall masters (40 years and over). There will also be awards to the top three finishers in all divisions, male and female, 9 and under, then 5 year age groups through 80 and over. For more information, contact Mark Hardison at 615-848-9063.