TULSA, Okla. –– The Tulsa football team returned to H.A. Chapman Stadium on Friday morning for the 13thpractice of preseason camp.
Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery was pleased with the energy of practice and the competitiveness of today's practice. "I thought we had really good energy today. We had a lot of good give-and-take. It was very competitive across the board. There was a lot of ones on ones action today," said Montgomery. "What we did yesterday focusing on special teams was beneficial for us from a special teams standpoint, but also just physically it added a little juice today."
It's to the point of fall camp that the Hurricane is ready to see someone else on the other side of the ball.
"I think our guys are biting at the bit to see something different, hit someone different, see a different opponent. You've gone against each other in spring ball, and now every day in camp, so we're to that point where we're ready to put our attention towards someone else," added Montgomery.
CORNERBACKS UPDATE
Tulsa returns two corners that combined to start 17 games last year in the likes of Reggie Robinson and Akayleb Evans. Robinson is now a junior, while Evans is in his s true sophomore season.
Robinson totaled 38 tackles and nine pass break-ups last year, while Evans had 26 stops and two PBUs.
"Overall, I think our corners have done a good job. They're on islands out there. They have to play with a lot of confidence. We've got some size and speed. They're doing a good job transitioning and right at the point of the catch they're really being competitive, said Montgomery. Akayleb Evans Allie Green IV who along with Evans was a true freshman last year is competing for playing time as are true freshman Jabari James, junior college transfer Malik Welch, who joined the team in the spring, and sophomore Montray Norris.
Returning to the lineup also is senior Keanu Hill, who missed the 2017 season rehabilitating from a knee injury. Hill suffered his injury late in the 2016 campaign of which he started eight games and had 20 stops and five break-ups.
"Akayleb is playing with confidence right now, and we've got several guys we're working in and out," said Montgomery. I've been impressed with freshman Jabari James, who was a high school quarterback. He has really shown some flashes. He has great athleticism."
