The Alabama State football team began preparations for the Sept. 3 season opener with its first fall camp practice Wednesday afternoon.  

A sun-drenched Hornet Stadium welcomed the 2011 edition of Alabama State football on a hot humid afternoon which showed to be not only the first practice, but a test of the players as well. 

“It was exciting to be out here, like hundreds of other programs around the country,” fifth-year head football coach Reggie Barlow said. “The first day shows who's in shape, who retained information from the spring, and who was able to play fast. Guys like Nick Andrews, T.C. McWilliams and Kejuan Riley showed up and did some good things, as well as some of our younger players.”  

The Hornets worked out for in helmets and shorts on day one. Despite the seemingly comfortable attire and liveliness of practice, Barlow was disappointed with the overall conditioning of the team. 

“You see guys that are not in the shape you'd like them to be in,” Barlow said. “The energy and enthusiasm was there, which is good. However, from a conditioning standpoint, we have far too many guys cramping. It's hot and I understand that.  We've just got continue to get them going over these next few days, get them acclimated to the heat, and get them acclimated to the amount of running we do in practice. This is why the offseason conditioning program is so important. All in all, we're excited to be back out here.” 

Alabama State returns to practice Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

-HORNETS-