Tigers’ spring shows change in attitude

Before the Memphis spring game Friday, coach Mike Norvell was asked where he saw the most growth in his team. He saw it in its attitude. “I think we have a football team that is passionate to improve, which is, for a coach, what you want to see,” Norvell said.

The last time the public saw the Tigers, they left the Birmingham Bowl sulking after giving up a double-digit lead to Wake Forest.

By that measure, Memphis made a good impression Friday night in front of its fans.

Brady White went from a three-andout on his first series to going 4-for-4 and throwing a touchdown pass on his second drive.

The defense started aggressively and finished that way, capped off by a strip sack by Wardalis Ducksworth on the final play of the spring game.

In between, players flew around trying to impress new coordinator Adam Fuller.

Chris Claybrooks nearly had an

interception on an early pass breakup; Xavier Cullens delivered one of the night’s biggest hits; and newcomer Everitt Cunningham had one of the group’s four sacks.

For a unit with two new position coaches at defensive line and linebacker, it was a good start.

But White’s play embodied Norvell’s assessment.

Much has been made about White needing to grow this spring after an up-and-down first season.

Friday played to his strengths, and he led three scoring drives while looking unburdened after battling for the starting role last year.

“I just feel more comfortable, feel more at home and stronger and faster,” White said Thursday.

There’s perhaps even more hunger because last year showed a team that punched first but didn’t often finish the fight.

That was the case in losses to Navy, Tulane, Central Florida twice and Wake Forest.

Perhaps that’s why Norvell took risks to keep his team motivated, like when he shut off the music for a practice to see who’d embrace a different atmosphere.

He challenged both White and Mcbride in the team’s second scrimmage.

And just like the spring game, both improved after a slow start.

Is it a good sign for when the Tigers host Ole Miss on Aug. 31? Time will tell. But after a month’s work and with one more practice to go, the spring game provided the necessary optimism fans desired.

For Norvell, it hinted at an identity he’s been looking to see develop – one that shows a team willing to fight and finish when challenged.

“I thought all in all, it’s been a really good spring,” Norvell said.

“Obviously there’s a lot of details that need to be cleaned up (but) we’re progressing right on track.”

You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter @Evan_b or by email at evan.barnes @commercialappeal.com