- 2012 Spring Roster

STEPHENVILLE - Tarleton football fans got a taste of the upcoming season for the Texans as they held their annual spring game Friday at Tarleton Memorial Stadium.  Over 1,500 fans were in attendance for the final practice of the spring.

With a mixture of young talent and veteran experience, the Purple and White squads battled it out for four quarters Friday evening.  There were a number of noteworthy plays that got fans and coaches excited for the upcoming campaign.

Vaughn Smith, a junior running back from Menlo, Calif., showcased his speed and why the Tarleton coaches were excited about his progress.  He rattled off an 80-yard run for a score, though it was eventually called back on a penalty. It was still a play that got the fans in attendance on their feet.

The spring game was a culmination of hardwork through the past 15 practices and allowed the offense and defense to get some actual game-like experience.

One player that is riding momentum from the success last season into this year is sophomore defensive back Dashaun Phillips, who intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it 30 yards.  It eventually set up the first touchdown of the game, a 15-yard run by freshman Savion Washington.

The action on the field took place after a hamburger cookout hosted by the Texans themselves.  Players and coaches served food to fans prior to the game, and interacted with the community before taking the field at 7:30 p.m.

The weekend did not end there though, and the football team hosted another event on Saturday in the annual Bobby Fox Memorial Golf Tournament.  Over 30 teams took place in the fundraising event that helps support the Tarleton football program in the upcoming season.

"I was happy with the way the game went and our guys got some live-game experience," said head coach Cary Fowler.  "It was important for the players to just get out there, have fun, and compete.  We hope it will spring board us into the fall season."

Coach Fowler also talked about the importance of the Bobby Fox Golf outing.

"We just want to thank everyone for coming out this year and supporting us," said Fowler.  "It means a lot to the program and these kids that they have the support of the community and the university.  It is fun every year and this year was one of the best yet."

For more information regarding the 2012 Tarleton football season, check out TarletonSports.com.