NO LONGER WALK ONS
* As has been his custom the past few seasons, Tiger coach Tommy West placed a walkon (in this case two walkons) on scholarship after the team broke preseason camp. West awarded scholarships to local products Michael Spurlock and Jake Kasser. Spurlock is a senior from Houston High who has played in 26 games during his career, including two starts. In a start at Tennessee last year, Spurlock had a career-high 10 tackles. Kasser, a Germantown High graduate, is a junior defensive back who has three career starts.

GRADUATION DAY
* There’s not a more anticipated day in Tiger preseason camp than the final day of Packer Drills, the grueling combination of up-downs and sprints conducted by the defense. The 15-minute non-stop sessions try the patience and nerves of the defense and selected special teams players. Friday’s morning session marked the end of Packer Drills. When the session ended, the offense led a hearty round of applause of appreciation.

ONE-TWO PUNCH
* Interesting to see former Tiger kicker Stephen Gostkowski and running back DeAngelo Williams stealing headlines on the same day. Gostkowski won the New England Patriots kicking job Thursday and Thursday night Williams ignited a Carolina Panthers’ victory with a 98-yard kickoff return for a TD.