Football | 8/3/2016 3:34:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. - The unmistakable sound of popping pads permeated the air on the banks of Beautiful Eagle Creek Wednesday morning as the Eagles held their third practice session.

After an hour of teaching schemes, the players got there first taste of contact with every unit of offense and defense going head-to-head in angled tackling drills with the goal of keeping the ball carrier from gaining forward progress. 

"It feels good being out there in pads again, so that everyone can get a chance to be physical", said GoDaddy Bowl Offensive MVP Wesley Fields. "It's kind of hard be physical with just helmets on; with the pads you get to be more aggressive."

The linemen seemed to benefit the most from being able to laid the pads on their teammates. Offensive line coach Allen Mogridge and defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey were as energetic as ever displaying intensity in their instructions. 

"It's an offensive line's dream," said senior leader Andy Kwon. "We had only jerseys the first two days, which makes it a little tough to do exactly what we're supposed to. With the pads on, that got us really happy and I think we had a great day. We keep getting better as a group which is the most important thing for me."

The intensity of practice was ramped up today, which corresponded with the weather, as it was easily the hottest of the three days of practice. The 90 degree temperature was blistering and the trainers had the ice towels out in full force. Head coach Tyson Summers made sure the players took multiple breaks during practice to rehydrate. 

"Today is a tough day, first time in shoulder pads for them", Summers said. "It was hotter today, the shoulder pads being on them creates a little bit different havoc for them, but I think they are competing. They have a good attitude, they come back in after a tough practice being silly, laughing and being all the things you want them to be. So I think they have a they have the right mind frame for what we want."

The Eagles went about two and a half hours in helmets and shells today. Practice ended with first and second teams for both sides of the ball squaring off with full formations and plays, but only making initial contact rather than complete tackling.

Practice No. 4 is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday on the banks of Beautiful Eagle Creek. Dates, times and locations of football practices are subject to change and may be impacted by weather conditions. Practices are open to the public, but any filming, recording or photography is limited to members of the media only. The full schedule is below.

Georgia Southern won the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl in its first bowl-eligible season, finishing 6-2 in the conference and 8-4 overall. The Eagles, who return 37 lettermen and 12 starters to the 2016 squad, were picked to finished third the Sun Belt in the league's preseason coaches' poll.

Fans can purchase 2016 season tickets and select their seats online, by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or by visiting the ticket office in the Cowart Building adjacent to Paulson Stadium (203 Lanier Drive). Ticket office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Season tickets prices start as low as $75 for all five games.

Meet the Eagles Fan Fest
The GS Football Team will hold its annual Meet the Eagles Fan Fest on Saturday, Aug. 13. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. and the football team will hold an open scrimmage from 9-11:30 a.m. at Paulson Stadium before the event. The Fan Fest will be from noon-2 p.m. The public is invited to the scrimmage and fans will be allowed to come on the field at noon. The North Concourse will be the only side open and fans may enter through Gate 12 near Bishop Field House.

Between the end of the scrimmage and the start of Fan Fest, fans can expect to hear a few words from head football coach Tyson Summers after he dismisses the team to their locker room. The event will be the last preseason scrimmage and the athletics department will have activities on the field after the scrimmage, including inflatables for the kids, 2016 football posters and schedule cards, a dunk tank, face painting, ticket information, cheerleaders, and the fall sport teams will be available for autographs. Concessions will be available during the scrimmage and during the Fan Fest. Additionally, the University Store will be open for fans to purchase all of their adidas gear to get ready for the season.

Fans will be allowed to get autographs from their favorite football players and Coach Summers at the festival. In addition, the soccer squads and volleyball team, along with all three respective coaches, will also be in attendance, grouped on the field. Fans can bring in outside items to be signed and posters from each sport will be provided free of charge to those who wish to get one signed. Fans will also be able to mingle with the student-athletes during the autograph session and kids can play catch, kick a ball or pass a volleyball around with the players. Also, the lobby area of the Ted Smith Family Football Center will be open during Fan Fest from 12-2 p.m.

Meet the Eagles Fan Fest is free and open to fans of all ages. Parking is also free.

Season ticket holders may also come and pick up their season ticket packets beginning that day. Additionally, donors may pick up their benefit packets at this event.

Georgia Southern Preseason Practice Schedule
Date (Time, Location)
Thurs., Aug. 4 (9:30 AM- 12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Fri., Aug. 5 (9:30 AM- 12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Sat., Aug. 6 (TBD)
Sun., Aug. 7 (TBD)
Mon, Aug. 8 (9:30 AM- 12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Tues., Aug. 9 (9:30 AM- 12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Wed., Aug. 10 (9:30 AM- 12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 11 (9:30 AM- 12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Fri., Aug. 12 (9:30 AM- 12 PM, Eagle Creek)
Sat., Aug. 13 (9:30 AM- 11:30 AM, Paulson); Fan Fest (12-2 PM, Paulson)
Sun., Aug. 14 (TBD)
Mon., Aug. 15 (4:15-6 PM, Eagle Creek); Day 1 (8 PM, Paulson)
Tues., Aug. 16 (7:30-10 AM, Paulson)
Wed., Aug. 17 (4:15-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 18 (7:30-10 AM, Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 19 (4:15-6 PM, Paulson)
Sat., Aug. 20 (TBD)
Sun., Aug. 21 (TBD)
Mon., Aug. 22 (4:15-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Tues., Aug. 23 (7:30-10 AM, Paulson)
Wed., Aug. 24 (4:15-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 25 (7:30-10 AM, Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 26 (4:15-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Sat., Aug. 27 (TBD)
Sun., Aug. 28 (TBD)