JACKSON – In hot temperatures on Tuesday that ranged from the lower to mid-90's, Millsaps College hit Harper Davis Field for its first of three two-a-day practices, working primarily in the morning session on special teams and red zone offense and in the afternoon on down and distance situations.

The Majors wore shoulder pads and helmets in the morning practice at 9 a.m. and then came back at 4 p.m. with full gear for a second straight day. 

With 64 newcomers and four new assistant coaches on staff, the Majors have had their share of ups and downs through the first seven of an NCAA mandated 15 practices. 

"In the morning session, the quarterbacks did a great job protecting the ball in the most critical area of the field," second year offensive coordinator \#John David Caffey\# said. "It's important to not turn it over and to secure points on the board."

With several starting spots up for grabs, including two starting spots on the offensive line, competition has been exciting the first several days. Freshmen \#Nathan Quick\# and \#Ryan Schultz\# have continued to impress on the offensive line and have really stood out, while \#Ryan Kirkley\# and \#Jeff Hampton\# have been sharp in the receiving game.

"There have been some great inside run periods and great blitz pickups one practice, and then off days the next practice," Caffey said.  "But, it's part of two-a-days and will all come together by Week 1."

Millsaps will be back on the field tomorrow at 3 p.m. for a single practice, with the final two, two-a-day practices slated for Thursday and Saturday.