Mercer football kicks off first practice

MACON, Ga. (MERCER ATHLETICS) – The Mercer University football team kicked off its preseason practice schedule Wednesday with a morning practice at Five Star Stadium.

“I liked our energy and our effort,” said head coach Bobby Lamb. “I think it helped to have the core of our football team here for five weeks in the summer. Our strength and conditioning staff led by Jon Mangel did an outstanding job of getting our guys ready. When we hit the field it picks up a little bit. The intensity picks up. I think our freshmen really felt that after today.”

The Bears battled high temperatures in the two-hour workout, opening up the first of their 13-practice fall camp with all 95 players on the field. The team went through 25 sessions in its first of two helmet-only practices.

As expected with 21 starters returning and a wealth of incoming talent, the competition level was something that impressed Lamb and the rest of the coaching staff.

“It’s going to be a very competitive preseason camp and that’s what I’m excited about,” added Lamb. “Even though we have all of our starters returning, we have some new guys that really want to play and want to steal some spots. That competitive nature is going to make us a better football team.”

Mercer continues the opening day with individual unit meetings and an evening walk through, before continuing its preseason practice schedule Thursday morning at 8:45 a.m.