105 Raiders report to camp

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Head Coach Rick Stockstill welcomed 105 veterans and newcomers Thursday as the team officially reported for the start of fall drills. The first official practice is set for Friday at 4:15 PM and is open to the public.

"I am as excited to start Friday as I have ever been in my 30 years in this profession. I like this team. I think they are anxious to create their own identity. Everybody has to buy into the expectations and standards of our program, to be responsible, to be accountable, and this team has done that. We have to pay attention this August to details, the little things. You don't play well or win games by accident. You have to prepare yourself, mentally and physically, every day."

The freshmen and transfers spent most of the day in academic orientation meetings Thursday before taking photos and physicals early in the afternoon. Following a 5 PM dinner, Stockstill will hold a senior meeting at 8 PM, followed by a team meeting, before calling it a day.

The NCAA's mandatory acclimatization period will begin with Friday's practice and will conclude with Tuesday's drills.

"I am as excited to start Friday as I have ever been in my 30 years in this profession. I like this team. I think they are anxious to create their own identity."

A total of 39 lettermen and 11 starters highlighted the list of players reporting to camp Thursday.

Junior linebacker Justin Jones is the only scholarship player who did not report due to an injury. Jones should be cleared in two to three weeks.

In other news, Lance Basler is the newest member to Rick Stockstill's staff as he replaces Andy Vaughn as the Director of Player Personnel. Basler, a 2007 graduate of the University of Washington, was most recently at Missouri as a football operations intern.

The Blue Raiders will open the 2012 season at home against McNeese State, August 30. Kickoff is slated for 6:30 PM CST and the game will be shown nationally on ESPN3.

FALL FOOTBALL CAMP SCHEDULE
Friday, August 3: 4:15 PM to 6:15 PM
Saturday, August 4: 3:50 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 5: 4:10 PM to 6:15 PM
Monday, August 6: 4:50 PM to 6:50 PM
Tuesday, August 7: 3:20 PM to 5:20 PM
Wednesday, August 8: 9:15 AM – 10:50 AM; 7:35 PM to 9:00 PM
Thursday, August 9: 4:05 PM – 6:10 PM
Friday, August 10: 9:15 AM - 11:25 AM; 7:30 PM - 9:10 PM
Saturday, August 11: 6:20 PM (Scrimmage)
Sunday, August 12: Fan Day (2-4 PM)
Monday, August 13: 9:15 AM – 11:25 AM; 7:45 PM to 9:10 PM (Closed)
Tuesday, August 14: 4:15 PM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday, August 15: 9:15 AM – 11:25 AM; 7:45 PM to 9:15 PM (Closed)
Thursday, August 16: 4:15 PM – 6:30 PM
Friday, August 17: 4:15 PM to 6:30 PM
Saturday, August 18: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Closed)
Sunday, August 19: No Practice
Monday, August 20: 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM (Beanie Bowl) (Closed)
Tuesday, August 21: 7:10 PM to 9:00 PM (Closed)
Wednesday, August 22: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Closed)
Thursday, August 23: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Closed)
Friday, August 24: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Closed)
Saturday, August 25: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Closed)
Sunday, August 26: 6:05 PM to 8:00 PM (Closed)
Monday, August 27: Classes Begin/Game Week
*All times are subject to change due to inclement weather.

Other Dates
Aug. 12: Fan Day (2-4 PM at Murphy Center)
Aug. 24: First Weekly Press Conference (Noon at Hall of Fame)
Aug. 27: First Rick Stockstill Radio Show at Sam's Sports Grill (7-8 PM)
Aug. 30: Season Opener vs McNeese State (6:30 PM CST)

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