Tigers’ DL Wilson back to form after spring injury
The spring was an unusual time for Memphis defensive lineman Jonathan Wilson, who faced something he never experienced.
While his teammates worked on the field, Wilson had to do solo workouts after suffering turf toe that kept him out of spring practice.
So when preseason practice started Friday, Wilson was all too eager to return to form.
“I’ve never been hurt before so I was real excited to get back,” said Wilson, who started nine games last season.
During the first two days of practice, Wilson took reps with the first team defense and showed no signs of rust. He said that even though he lost about 15 pounds, he tried to stay in shape and disciplined while injured.
“I did a lot of mostly upper body workouts. I did as much lower body as I could and even with the cast on, I still was riding the bike.”
The effort so far has impressed both head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Chris Ball, who praised Wilson for his maturity in handling his time off.
“A lot of guys when they get injured, they fall off mentally,” Ball said. “He did a great job mentally of staying on top of his assignments. He’s in unbelievable shape and he’s trying to lead.”
Norvell added that Wilson looks as good as ever has and with several Tigers players looking to return from injuries suffered last season, having Wilson at full strength following the spring is just another bonus to start the fall.
“He’s playing really well the first days and even though it’s just in helmets, I’ve seen him plenty in pads so I know what he can do. I love where he’s at,” Norvell said.
Carter takes step in leadership
Before the season, TJ Carter said he wanted to grow as a leader. It hasn’t taken long for him to show it.
At practice Saturday, Ball asked Carter to address the unit during a huddle. He offered a quick speech reminding them to stay hungry but even that was a new step for him after last year
“That just wasn’t me. I wasn’t at the time a vocal leader because I just wanted to come out and play ball,” Carter said Thursday during Media Day. “Now, I see how that helps everybody when you get your guys fired up and you know what you’re talking about.”
Ball said Saturday that Carter tends to leads by example but his work ethic commands respect.
“Players on our football team look up to him because he comes out here every day and works hard,” Ball said. “He’s one of our hardest working players and when you can lead by example like that, people will listen.”
Pollard changes positions
Tony Pollard has gone through wide receiver drills the first two days of practice, further showing that the junior All-American will be used more as a pass catcher this season
Pollard is officially listed on the roster as a wide receiver after being listed the past two years as a running back.
“It’s always exciting be on the field period, Any chance I get to get the ball in my hands, it just adds to it,” Pollard said.
Saturday’s practice spent a good portion on special teams, which featured Pollard in his natural element as one of the nation’s best return men. But with lofty goals of 2,000 all-purpose yards this season, he’s already preparing for the challenge of a bigger role.
“With me being so versatile and being able to play so many positions, it makes me have to be on top of my mental aspect of the game,” Pollard said. “Just learning more plays and learning what the running backs and receivers have to do, it’s just a learning process.”.