Several observations as Tiger football wraps up its second week of spring workouts:

1) Good as advertised (maybe better): A priority for West during the recruiting season was to bring in several mid-year junior college players who could have an immediate impact. Early indications are defensive tackle Freddie Barnett, receiver Steven Black, linebacker Tommy Phelps and offensive linemen Terrence Echols and Cody Stubblefield will contribute quickly.
Barnett started strong, but has been slowed by injury. He may not play the next two weeks, but he’ll be a factor in the fall. Black is a prize, a receiver who can make a difficult catch in traffic as well as stretch the defense. Phelps is a playmaker, always around the ball and pushing starter Heath Grant.

2) If the Tiger running backs remain healthy, it could be a team strength. Senior Joe Doss is a veteran leader, who can get the tough yards inside. Sophomore Miguel Barnes and T.J. Pitts have been impressive in practice, with Pitts looking like the prize recruit he was in 2005.

3) Defensively, new cornerbacks coach Derek Jones has infused a toughness and a swagger. It’s a key position for the Tiger defense if it expects to become a dominant unit again.

4) Quarterback Martin Hankins is looking as if he will not be challenged for the starting job. He has completed 14-of-19 in scrimmage situations with no interceptions and a touchdown.