Master Teague III of Blackman runs a drill during the Oakland Elite Exposure Camp on June 14 at Oakland High School.
MURFREESBORO — The sounds of pads popping will be heard across the state Monday morning with the first day of fall football practice.
It’s finally football time in Tennessee.
Teams will don full gear for the first time after practicing in shoulder pads and helmets at least three days last week to get acclimated to the heat per Tennessee Secondary School School Athletic Association (TSSAA) policy. And it will be a hot one Monday with temperatures set to reach into the 90s.
Here are four things to watch for on the first day in pads.
Who is in shape?: Players had the month of June and most of July to be ready physically for the first day in pads. However, some will struggle with the combination of the heat and all of the activities. Those are typically some of the first players who find themselves sitting or standing next to the team’s athletic trainer.
Who wants to hit?: The Oklahoma drill is a good one to see who wants to hit. Coaches won’t wait too long to see which players embrace hitting in practice. It helps determine which younger players can possibly contribute on Friday nights.
How much will heat be a factor?: Last week was a hot one. Monday won’t be much cooler. Athletic trainers will have their psychrometers measuring heat index. The TSSAA’s heat policy goes into affect after the heat index reaches 95 degrees, when players are monitored even more closely and take more frequent breaks.
How do the newcomers fit in?: Transfers and sophomores get their first fall practice with the varsity in most situations. Many have had the summer and maybe even the spring to get accustomed to what is expected. However, things are now getting real. The first high school football game is Aug. 18 — less than a month away.
Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.
First day in pads
At Tennessean.com: Follow coverage of the first full day in pads for high school football teams.