Tuesday at the Murphy Athletic Complex . . . .

* Former Tiger defensive back Reggie Howard, who played in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and the Miami Dolphins, attended Tuesday’s workout. Howard talked about how odd it was to not be in a preseason camp, but was hardly bemoaning his lot.
“No one likes training camp,” Howard said. “Practicing the week of a game is one thing, but no one likes training camp.”

* Howard also had some interesting things to say about his one-time coach at Miami, new University of Alabama coach Nick Saban. He expects Saban to do well at Alabama, but he said he doesn’t expect him to mingle with the boosters.

* During scrimmage situations at Tuesday’s workout, the offense had the upper hand and broke off several big plays.
Backup QB Will Hudgens teamed with Earnest Williams on a 64-yard scoring play.
Starting QB Martin Hankins connected with Steven Black for a 55-yard TD.
And starting RB Joe Doss danced and darted for a 55-yard pickup.
The defense had its moments. Linebacker Heath Grant and safety Tony Bell recovered fumbles and DBs Michael Grandberry and Alton Starr had impressive pass breakups.

EAST CAROLINA: Pirates’ center Stephen Heis and quarterback Rob Kass need to have a good relationship on the field. For them, it all starts off the field as roommates.

HOUSTON: Jerrod Butler, a reserve offensive lineman who collapsed during weight room training on Monday, was fine later in the day, but the team was unsure what caused the episode.

MARSHALL: Injuries have decimated the Thundering Herd offensive line, but the makeshift frontwall held up well during a scrimmage.

UTEP: Where will UTEP look to improve last year’s porous defense? Think safeties first.

UAB: The Blazers lost one running back, but gained two as eligibility issues were answered.

UCF: Knights’ quarterback Kyle Israel may need a program this year … just to pick out his receiving target. UCF has 13 receivers vying for playing time in 2007.

TULANE: Green Wave coach Bob Toledo has a bit of a quarterback issue. He has three from which to choose.