Auburn Football Practice Report

The Auburn football team went through its first practice in shells and shorts under the lights Friday night at the Athletic Complex practice fields. The Tigers moved practice into the evening after going in the heat Thursday afternoon. "Day three was interesting. It was our first day in shorts, pads and helmets, and we got some help from the weather tonight," said Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. "The focus was definitely there. They really wanted to come out and try to practice correctly with each other, they didn't have full pads on so they did not try to take them to the ground or any of that stuff, we are trying to make it a physical practice but still take care of your teammates." Divided into two groups for a third straight practice, allowing for more individual attention, the Tiger veterans were on the field for the first half of practice while the newcomers lifted weights during that time before getting onto the practice fields for the second half of practice. Practicing for the first time in shoulder pad shells, Chizik was pleased with the way his team responded. "There was some contact in some of the individual drills, there were some tackling-type drills in there," said Chizik. "Overall, it was as an aggressive practice as it could be without taking someone to the ground and I was proud of the way they practiced because I think they got a lot out of it." The Tigers return to the practice fields on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT. All practices are close to the public.

Auburn opens the 2010 season on Sept. 4 against Arkansas State at 6 p.m. CT in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net.