Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown said last week he would have a better idea after a week or two of practice to what extent his players coming off major knee injuries can help this year.

So far, he likes what he sees from running backs Eric Stephens and DeAndre Washington and receiver Alex Torres, all of whom are practicing for the first time since suffering season-ending knee injuries in 2011.

“I can’t tell a whole lot of difference, to be honest with you,” Brown said after Tuesday’s workout. “I thought Eric and Torres were really good (Monday), and I didn’t notice them falling off today. I thought DeAndre was significantly better today than he was day one.”

Stephens and Washington were the team's top two rushers last year, and Torres has averaged 52 catches for more than 600 yards a season in his first three years.

Brown said each player’s recovery will depend to a certain extent on mentality.

“A lot of it has to do with Eric and Alex are older. They trust their body more,” Brown said. “DeAndre’s still young. It’s the first time he’s ever really been injured in his life. That’s a little bit different challenge for him.”