Quarterback Brady McBride stood in the shotgun formation, went through his pre-snap routine and received the ball from center.

He then threw a strike to redshirt junior wide receiver Mechane Slade in Wednesday’s practice. It was a perfect throw and perfect catch for the pair. 

The next play was drawn up a bit differently. McBride rolled right in his red No. 4 practice jersey and threw a ball to freshman running back Kenny Gainwell. The ball wobbled through the air and fell short for Gainwell to come back and get. 

Head coach Mike Norvell is impressed with what the freshman brings to the table. Although, freshman mistakes are aplenty, and the Tigers coaching staff works with McBride to get through those. The Texas native has appeared in two games and thrown six completions for 70 yards and one interception. 

“I think McBride is doing some nice things,” Norvell said. “He’s still a freshman, he’s still growing. There’s still some freshman mistakes that he makes throughout practice that he’s working hard to get corrected.” 

Quarterback Markevion Quinn sits to the side rehabbing a torn ACL for a majority of practice. Most of his throws go toward a net or a trainer. 

When Quinn is allowed to showcase his athleticism and ability to throw the ball Norvell is ecstatic about what he sees from the former junior college quarterback. 

“Markevion is still going through his rehab, but he’s getting closer,” Norvell said. “I think he has a chance to be a special talent.” 

Quarterback Connor Adair is in year two in Norvell and offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham’s quarterback room. The redshirt freshman appeared in one game this season where he threw only one pass. 

“Connor Adair is continuing to grow,” Norvell said. “Still a young guy that’s learning through the process.” 

Norvell updates injured Tigers 

Defensive coordinator Chris Ball’s defense missed five starters in the loss to the Tulane Green Wave last Friday – some of whom he’s hopeful will return for Saturday’s contest against the Connecticut Huskies. 

Defensive tackle O’Bryan Goodson is making good progress while defensive tackle Emmanuel Cooper is slated to play against Connecticut. The defensive line struggled at times with two big playmakers out of the lineup. 

Safety La’Andre Thomas and linebacker Jackson Dillon are most likely out for Saturday’s game. The Tigers are thin at outside linebacker without Dillon and recently dismissed Jacoby Hill. Cornerback Tito Windham also made progress through his injury this week. 

“We’re getting better,” Norvell said. “We’re going to be without a couple of guys. La’Andre Thomas and Jackson Dillon will both probably be out this week. I think Tito is coming along, Emmanuel Cooper will be back, which is good. That helps our depth on the defensive front.” 

Wide receiver Sam Craft is slated to return to the lineup for the first time all season. The sixth-year senior returns from a knee injury that cost him last season. Craft’s focus has remained on returning to game shape after missing so much time. 

“Sam Craft will play this week, which I’m excited about,” Norvell said. “The number of reps, we’ll see. We’re kind of getting him in shape and where he needs to be, but he will play this week, which I’m fired up about.”