Tigers begin preparing for football opener against Mercer

Only a week ago, Memphis began Monday practice with coach Mike Norvell frustrated over the lack of energy from his team

This week, it was Norvell who had more energy than usual. He bounded between team drills barking orders and even stopped mid-run to salute a camera.

It was good spirits to start the Tigers’ final week of preseason camp. Norvell said Monday he began installing game plans for the team’s season opener against Mercer on Sept. 1

The Tigers spent about 15 minutes of practice on Mercer and also took a brief look preparing for future opponents. Norvell didn’t name which team, but after Mercer, the Tigers face a road test at Navy.

“We’re at a point where we need to focus on some schemes that are different than just what we’ve been seeing to make sure it’s preparing (us for) the long haul,” Norvell said.

Junior tight end Joey Magnifico said looking ahead didn’t affect the team’s focus coming into practice but it was a nice return back to the field after spending the past three practices in Jackson.

“It was fun going against our defense every day but eventually you have to look to Game 1 and see how their defense plays differently than ours,” Magnifico said.

Here are five observations from practice

Norvell not ready to name a QB

Norvell reiterated what he said Saturday, that he wouldn’t rush to name a starting quarterback until he was ready. Brady White opened practice with the first unit, but David Moore also saw time with the first unit.

“If we had one guy that was clear-cut and had taken this starting quarterback job, we probably would have named one,” Norvell said. “The thing I’m glad (with) is both guys have played well.”

Norvell left the door open that both could see the field against Mercer, saying he would do anything that gives his team the best chance to win. But he made clear that there will be a starter in place by Sept. 1.

“When we make that decision is when I feel like it needs to be made and when it’s ready to be made,” Norvell said.

Tigers not rained out ... barely

With rain in the forecast, the Tigers shifted practice to their turf field for the

first time this camp. The team managed to stay dry as it held its final huddle inside the locker room before the rain started.

Magnifico returns to practice

Magnifico ran full team drills for the first time in a week after missing three days of camp last week. He participated briefly in Saturday’s scrimmage.

“Getting a couple days off helped me out and helped my body feel a lot better,” Magnifico said. “When I got back out here, I could feel a huge difference.”

Junior offensive lineman Manuel

Practice standouts

Junior running back Darrell Henderson did not participate on offense during Saturday’s scrimmage but showed no rust when he opened team drills with a long run.

Junior linebacker Austin Hall had an interception off White during team drills. Freshman Kenny Gainwell had a pair of long catches and continued to take reps with the first team.

Scouts in attendance

Four NFL scouts were at Memphis’ practice, the most the Tigers have seen at one practice during preseason camp.