Muhammad Ali used to say his fights were always won long before he "danced under the lights."

Basically meaning that his fights were won in the weight room, running or in practice. Barring the outcome of the 2008 football season, the Memorial Titans may look back on the spring just as Ali did with his preparation.

Despite a 4-6 overall record and a 3-4 District 21-5A slate, the Titans were 3-3 heading into the last week of the season and still had a chance to make the playoffs.

Memorial fell hard to Humble in the finale, however, and the Titans season was over.

Now in his third year with Memorial, head coach Ronnie Thompson says the idea for spring workouts is to check the status of the program.

"Our conditioning is great," Thompson said. "That's always very exciting to know. We're very excited about what we're doing this spring and the effort we're getting from the players."

Thompson added that the most important thing in spring workouts is to find the players who can fill open positions.

Offensively, the biggest concerns are offensive line and receiver. The Titans top receiver, quarterback and running back from last year were all seniors but offensive coordinator Kenny Harrison says the future quarterback and running back are already in place.

Jareal Alexander, who threw for 182 yards on 14-of-20 passing in limited time last season, will be the Titans next quarterback.

He is replacing Harry Brown. Brown led the district with 1,985 yards last year. The Titans were second to West Brook in total offense.

Alexander spent a portion of the season sidelined from an ankle sprain and a thumb injury. The soon to be senior also ran for 385 yards on 80 carries and scored three touchdowns. Against Baytown Lee, Alexander had a break out game, as he rushed for 199 yards on 30 attempts.

DaLeon Sinette is the top choice for running back. He carried the ball 20 times last season, gaining 100 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Solomon Jones is the most productive receiver returning for the upcoming season. Jones caught 17 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown.

Memorial's offense also needs to replace four lineman from the starting roster and will need to replace four receivers as well. Overall, the offense is losing nine of 11 starters.

Harrison added that there is also the task of finding backup players in the spring.