The Alabama State football team donned shoulder pads for the first time of 2011 fall practice Friday at Hornet Stadium. 

The intensity of practice was heightened by the new attire on another hot Alabama afternoon as the Hornets continue preparations for the season opener just four weeks away on Sept. 3 at Mississippi Valley State. 

“We have 90+ players in camp right now, and we have some guys that are in great shape,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “DL Kynjee Cotton and QB Greg Jenkins among others are running around constantly and it's exciting to see. However, there are some players that have to bring in on a bit more. We've got to get there and we don't have a lot of time. Over the next week or so, we have to tighten the screws a bit.” 

Friday was the first day of full 11-on-11 practice periods, which generated a cadre of impressive plays on both sides of the ball. 

“Naturally in those drills, you see flashes of great plays,” Barlow said. “FS Kejuan Riley and WR T.C. McWilliams were running around as always making plays, which is always encouraging to see.”   

Those performances aside, Barlow continues to look for continued overall team improvement. 

“We have to get our offensive line to plant faster and compete to the whistle.  Defensively, we have to get some of our younger players to learn the concepts,” Barlow said. “Overall, with it being the first day in shoulder pads, these guys are still learning as we move forward, but we are encouraged by what we are seeing.” 

The Hornets return to practice Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Hornet Stadium.

-HORNETS-