The UTM Football team has completed the first two days of spring practice under new Skyhawk head coach Matt Griffin and is preparing for its first scrimmage set for 9 a.m., Saturday, April 5 at Hardy M. Graham Stadium.

The scrimmage is free and open to the public as are all spring practices.

Griffin said 54 players participated in the first two practices. Receivers this spring are Dyersburg's Orentheus Taylor, Nashville's Damien Harris; and Maine transfers Stefan Gomes and Paris Minor. Harris moves to the wide receiver from the running back position.

He was the Skyhawks leading rusher a year ago with 337 yards. Taylor, who saw extensive action as a freshman last year, was the Skyhawks' leading receiver with 270 yards.

The senior leadership is evident on the team after two workouts. Griffin said Mikie Patton, Marshall Romero, Lyndell McCullough, Marcus Ross, Lee Lawrence, from nearby Gleason, Tenn., and Michael Jackson have been working hard and setting examples for the rest of the team.

Romero, from Breaux Bridge, La., has lost 25 pounds. The 6-2 offensive lineman played at 310 pounds last season.

Alex Adkins, a walk-on offensive lineman from Memphis Hillcrest High School, also dropped some weight during the winter weight training program. Adkins is down 30 pounds. Kickoff for the annual Skyhawk intra-squad game is set for 7 p.m., Thursday, April 24 in Hardy Graham Stadium.

The spring game will include a 4 p.m. tailgate and cookout party with the Skyhawk staff and players. Bob Carroll will serve as the guest head coach, while Don McCleary and Gary Doble serve as guest offensive and defensive coordinators. The Skyhawks have 29 consecutive days to get in the NCAA-mandated 15 practice opportunities, three of which must be in shorts. The Skyhawks will generally practice Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Practice during the week begins at 4 p.m., while Saturday practices will begin at 9 a.m.

The Skyhawks will practice at 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 16 and at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 23. Practices are open to the public. Individuals, families and youth groups are welcome to attend. For more information you cancall Vickie Reynolds at (731) 587-7670.