A couple of interesting observations from Tiger practices this week:

** Tiger sophomore quarterback Will Hudgens, who broke a bone in his leg in the second game of the season against Chattanooga, is back at practice. He’s not dressed out, but he’s running and throwing and looking as if he’s ahead of schedule.Hudgens tossed passes in several drills.

** Tiger offensive line coach Rick Mallory has been raving about true freshman lineman Dominik Riley from Montgomery, Ala. Riley, 6-4 and 300 pounds, is a natural leader and a physical, punishing blocker. He already has moved to the backup at left tackle. Mallory considers Riley a steal from the 2006 class and gives assistant Tyson Helton the credit for finding him.