The first Saturday practice of the preseason for the Alabama State football team was cut short due to inclement weather in the area.
Lightning in the immediate area of Hornet Stadium ended the afternoon practice after nearly 90 minutes.
“(Head Athletic Trainer) Racheal Lawler and her staff did a good job of letting us know where the lightning was,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “Once you see it, you have to get off the field. We were able to get through about 16 periods. We still had 7-on-7 passing and team (11-on-11) periods that we really wanted to get to. We'll get it in Sunday.”
The intensity of practice has continued to increase as the Hornets settle back into being in a regular practice routine.
“It has increased, particularly with the 9-on-7 inside running drill,” Barlow said. “We're seeing guys really get after it and that's what you like so see. Also, in our special categories period (where the Hornets work on specific game situations), we're seeing guys compete.”
Barlow was very hands on with some of the younger receivers in Saturday's practice, a position he played during a four-year Hornet career and eight-year NFL career.
“We need to take a bigger step at the receiver position,” Barlow said. “In the 1-on-1 drill, I'm not seeing guys get open like they need to. Obviously, Nick Andrews and T.C. McWilliams are doing a good job, but we have to get the younger guys to step up and make some plays.”
Sunday, the Hornets will practice in full pads for the first time and Barlow expects a continued increase in energy on the field.
“We still won't take guys down,” Barlow said in reference to how physical practice will be. “However, I image just the thought of being in full pads will generate more excitement.”
Alabama State will practice at 9 a.m., earlier from the previously scheduled time of 7 p.m.
“We made the adjustment in the schedule so the players will have all day Sunday after practice to get their legs under them prior to our first two-a-days on Monday,” Barlow said. “That will give the guys the chance to get a lot of rest, watch a lot of film, and get their legs back.”
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