Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Blue Raiders conclude spring, give spring awards
4/15/2017 4:37:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee football team wrapped up spring practices Saturday with the Blue-White Spring Finale presented by Kroger.
In front of fans, alumni, prospective student-athletes, friends and family, the Blue Raiders took part in practice drills concluding with a scrimmage.
"It's a blessing to have the ones you love to come out and support you in the last practice. We had a great time and enjoyed it all," sophomore wide receiver CJ Windham said.
Head coach Rick Stockstill also handed out spring awards, including most improved and grinder awards for those who were the most active in the weight room. The Dr. Terry Whiteside Academic Award, given to the player who has shown excellence on the field and in academics, strength training, community service and campus activities, was also given to redshirt senior kicker Canon Rooker.
Included in the crowd were former Blue Raider greats, including quarterback Logan Kilgore and running backs Bennie Cunningham, Reggie Whatley, I'Tavius Mathers, Phillip Tanner and Jordan Parker.
Many of the former players in attendance took part in Friday's annual Legends Golf Tournament for all Blue Raider lettermen.
The 12th edition of the golf tournament saw its largest turnout on Friday.
"It makes my chest stick out with a lot of pride. The guys made a lot of sacrifices to come a long distance, some from California, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Texas – a lot of places," Stockstill said. "It was good to see them and to let them know how much they mean to me personally and how much they mean to this program."
The former players were in Murfreesboro for more than just to watch practice and play in the golf tournament. They also provided some of the current players with words of wisdom and encouragement as they prepare for summer to begin.
"Those guys are a phone call away, and I can call anyone of those guys anytime to talk about anything pertaining to football or just life situations," redshirt senior running back Shane Tucker said. "The first thing they always tell me is to not take it for granted."
Now that spring practices have concluded, the players will focus on getting things done in the classroom while working on conditioning and individual workouts. They will start organized team practices in late July.
"We've got enough to work on this summer, so we'll find out what kind of team we're going to have," Stockstill said. "We have a ways to go, but I'm pleased with the progress we made. Overall I'm pleased, but I'm not satisfied."
Here are the spring drill award winners:
MOST IMPROVED
Quarterback — John Urzua
Running back — Terelle West
Wide receiver — C.J. Windham
Offensive lineman — Robert Behanan
Defensive lineman — Malik Manciel
Linebacker — Khalil Brooks
Defensive back — Darryl Randolph
Safety — Jovante Moffatt
GRINDERS AWARDS
Quarterback — Brent Stockstill
Running back — Shane Tucker
Wide receiver — C.J. Windham
Offensive lineman — Chandler Brewer
Defensive lineman — Malik Manciel
Linebacker — D.J. Sanders
Defensive back — Charvarius Ward
Safety — Jovante Moffatt
Specialist — Daniel Sargent
DR. TERRY WHITESIDE AWARD
Canon Rooker
In front of fans, alumni, prospective student-athletes, friends and family, the Blue Raiders took part in practice drills concluding with a scrimmage.
"It's a blessing to have the ones you love to come out and support you in the last practice. We had a great time and enjoyed it all," sophomore wide receiver CJ Windham said.
Head coach Rick Stockstill also handed out spring awards, including most improved and grinder awards for those who were the most active in the weight room. The Dr. Terry Whiteside Academic Award, given to the player who has shown excellence on the field and in academics, strength training, community service and campus activities, was also given to redshirt senior kicker Canon Rooker.
Included in the crowd were former Blue Raider greats, including quarterback Logan Kilgore and running backs Bennie Cunningham, Reggie Whatley, I'Tavius Mathers, Phillip Tanner and Jordan Parker.
Many of the former players in attendance took part in Friday's annual Legends Golf Tournament for all Blue Raider lettermen.
The 12th edition of the golf tournament saw its largest turnout on Friday.
"It makes my chest stick out with a lot of pride. The guys made a lot of sacrifices to come a long distance, some from California, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Texas – a lot of places," Stockstill said. "It was good to see them and to let them know how much they mean to me personally and how much they mean to this program."
The former players were in Murfreesboro for more than just to watch practice and play in the golf tournament. They also provided some of the current players with words of wisdom and encouragement as they prepare for summer to begin.
"Those guys are a phone call away, and I can call anyone of those guys anytime to talk about anything pertaining to football or just life situations," redshirt senior running back Shane Tucker said. "The first thing they always tell me is to not take it for granted."
Now that spring practices have concluded, the players will focus on getting things done in the classroom while working on conditioning and individual workouts. They will start organized team practices in late July.
"We've got enough to work on this summer, so we'll find out what kind of team we're going to have," Stockstill said. "We have a ways to go, but I'm pleased with the progress we made. Overall I'm pleased, but I'm not satisfied."
Here are the spring drill award winners:
MOST IMPROVED
Quarterback — John Urzua
Running back — Terelle West
Wide receiver — C.J. Windham
Offensive lineman — Robert Behanan
Defensive lineman — Malik Manciel
Linebacker — Khalil Brooks
Defensive back — Darryl Randolph
Safety — Jovante Moffatt
GRINDERS AWARDS
Quarterback — Brent Stockstill
Running back — Shane Tucker
Wide receiver — C.J. Windham
Offensive lineman — Chandler Brewer
Defensive lineman — Malik Manciel
Linebacker — D.J. Sanders
Defensive back — Charvarius Ward
Safety — Jovante Moffatt
Specialist — Daniel Sargent
DR. TERRY WHITESIDE AWARD
Canon Rooker
Players Mentioned
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