Aug. 9, 2007

EASTON, Pa. - The Leopards practiced in shoulder pads and helmets in 90-degree weather on Thursday afternoon, the third full-team practice.

"It's a lot different with the pads on today because now we're starting to bang into each other and now it's starting to resemble some real football," head coach Frank Tavani said of the change from non-contact drills the previous two days. "We're building it day by day, and keeping the intensity going."

The team got a break from the sun with overcast conditions and a small rain shower, but the heat on the field was still intense.

"It's certainly not what it's been," Tavani said. "But by the same token, it's pretty challenging to be out here three hours doing what we're doing. You're starting to get some muscle pulls and some dehydration, but it's the typical thing when you're in camp and you have 98 guys running around."

The team is looking forward to Saturday, when it will get a chance to workout in full pads.

"That's another challenge, to be out here in full gear and battle through this," Tavani said.

Although Tavani notes that the team is fighting through the heat, he reminds the players to keep their focus on the big picture.

"Camp is, as we tell them, not a sprint; it's a marathon," he said. "It's a long haul. It's a hard haul. It's tough on them, but we have to get great preparation so we can get ready for the season's schedule."

Friday's practice will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Fisher Stadium. All practices are open to the public.