By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post
HAYS - The Fort Hays State football team had their sixth practice of preseason camp Saturday at Lewis Field, and it was their first in full pads.
Head coach Chris Brown says he's pleased with what he's seen through the first week of preseason workouts.
"Iāve seen great things on offense, I've seen great things on defense. Our special teams is kind of coming together." said Brown.
With over 150 on the team, Brown feels competition at all positions is better than it's been in a while.
"I'm very pleased," Brown said. "These kids have really worked hard these last six days and have done everything we've asked them to do. There really hasnāt been any lulls. They've just been grinding it out and working hard and competing continuously every single day. "
Brown says the challenge for him and his coaching staff will be trying to balance full contact while also trying to keep the team healthy as possible heading into the season opener in less than three weeks.
"I think you have to tackle because if you donāt, the tackling is really poor on day one." Brown said. "The running backs donāt know how to run through tackles, the receivers donāt, the quarterbacks arenāt feeling that pressure, you have to go live just to get used to it."
The Tigers will take Sunday off before returning Monday in full pads, It will also be their first day where full contact is allowed per NCAA rules.