See photos from Friday's practice

By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As the acclimation days continued on Friday in Tucker Stadium, the Tennessee Tech football team added a new piece as the pads were brought into the mix.

"We're getting even closer to real football," joked associate head coach Tyree Foreman.

The Golden Eagles will be in full pads for the first time on Sunday morning.

"It was the first day in pads," Foreman said, "so we were trying to make some strides. The kids came out with some energy as they dealt with a new environment. It took them a little while to get used to it and a little while for the energy to kick in. But they got better and we were able to work in some new things."

One of the bright spots so far in the early camp sessions has been on the ground assault as the running backs have been looking impressive thus far.

"They're looking good, but we've still got a long way to go," Foreman said. "No one's giving anyone the Heisman yet. We just took another state today. We learned the importance of staying up and holding on to the football. Those are important things to learn now and not later during the course of the year."

With a large group of newcomers and transfers, the coaching staff seems to be impressed with how they are getting used to the system.

"Most of the guys have been here since July," Foreman said, "so they've been hearing the verbage and the coaching points. Now they're actually seeing it at full speed with the older guys and they're adjusting to the speed of the game, which is the hardest part along with the mental part."

As Tech looks to enter the first weekend sessions of camp, the main goal is to recover.

"We want the guys to be able to come back tomorrow with the same energy and as much enthusiasm without being too sore or too banged up," Foreman said. 

Photos by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information