TOWSON, Md. - On Tuesday afternoon, the Tigers held their second pre-season practice in Unitas Stadium. The team's two-plus hour practice featured a brief rainstorm that only served to cool down the players.

For the second day in a row, the Tigers staged a spirited practice in helmets and shorts in the heat and humidity of mid-August.

When it was over, Coach Rob Ambrose seemed pleased with what he has seen.

He said, "Practicing in helmets and shorts is all about habits and hustle. It seems like we are developing great habits and great hustle.

"One of the things that has impressed me the first two days is the unity that this team has shown while practicing hard in the heat and humidity," he added. "We like to see that."

Coach Ambrose also praised his team's leadership.

He said, "There is such a tremendous difference between the leadership on this team and the other teams we've coached. For the last two years, we have been growing good attributes of leadership within this program. We've planted the seeds to develop a foundation of leaders and it seems like it is bearing fruit now."

The Tigers will conduct their third pre-season practice in helmets and shorts on Wednesday afternoon.