Heavy rains this month have played havoc with the University of Memphis football team’s spring practice schedule, but what has been evident during the workouts conducted between raindrops has been an uptick in intensity.

It has been particularly apparent on defense, as new coordinator Tim Walton’s aggressive approach has rubbed off on a unit that needed a boost.

“I do think there is a better intensity level,” Tiger coach Tommy West said after Thursday’s practice at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. “Everybody that comes to watch us says the same thing. There’s a lot of striking going on on both sides.”

West still would like to see better execution inside the red zone from the Tiger offense. To do that, the Tiger running game will have to improve.

West moved redshirt freshman defensive lineman Lionel Henderson to offense this week, but, unfortunately for the offensive staff, Henderson, from Mobile, Ala., injured his right ankle and may not return this spring.

“For the 20 minutes I had him on offense, he looked good,” West said.

West said even with the rainy spring weather, the Tigers find themselves shy only one of their schedule 15 spring workouts heading into Saturday’s scrimmage at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.