Mercer Football Kicks Off First Practice of 2015 Fall Camp

Practice #1 Photo Gallery

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer University football team kicked off its preseason practice schedule with a morning practice at Five Star Stadium.

"I liked our energy and our effort," said head coach Bobby Lamb. "I think it helped to have the core of our football team here for five weeks in the summer. Our strength and conditioning staff led by Jon Mangel did an outstanding job of getting our guys ready. When we hit the field it picks up a little bit. The intensity picks up. I think our freshmen really felt that after today."

The Bears battled high temperatures in the two-hour workout, opening up the first of their 13-practice fall camp with all 95 players on the field on Wednesday. The team went through 25 sessions in its first of two helmet-only practices.

As expected with 21 starters returning and a wealth of incoming talent, the competition level was something that impressed Lamb and the rest of the coaching staff.

"It's going to be a very competitive preseason camp and that's what I'm excited about," added Lamb. "Even though we have all of our starters returning, we have some new guys that really want to play and want to steal some spots. That competitive nature is going to make us a better football team."

Mercer continues the opening day with individual unit meetings and an evening walk through, before continuing its preseason practice schedule tomorrow morning at 8:45 a.m.

Coach Lamb on the expectation of the first week of practice:
"We are going to throw a lot at the guys in five days. We are trying to insert our entire offense, defense and special teams during that time. You can do that with practices and walkthroughs, but still it is a lot to throw at them. The guys who can retain it and perform under pressure are the guys we are going to put in the game. This is a great test and you can't miss any of this week, because it is a pivotal week for us."

Coach Lamb on the players that stood out at practice:
"John Russ had a good day throwing the football. I really thought Avery Ward and newcomer Marquise Irvin looked nice at wide receiver. Jimmie Robinson is another newcomer at receiver that was impressive. Of course Chandler Curtis had his normal good day and Josh Jones did some nice things at wideout. We have a nice core of wideouts back. We have added some guys with some speed and length that is going to help us."

Single Game Tickets On Sale Monday:
Single-game tickets for Mercer's home opener against Stetson (Sept. 12) will go on sale Monday morning at 10 a.m. through the Mercer Ticket Office. Visit tickets.mercer.edu or call (478) 301-5470 to purchase tickets.

How to Follow the Bears:
For complete information on Mercer Football, follow the program via social media on Twitter (@MercerFootball), Instagram (@MercerFootball) and on Facebook at facebook.com/MercerFootball.

Remaining 2015 Preseason Camp Schedule
Wed., Aug. 5 – 8:45 a.m.
Thu., Aug. 6 – 8:45 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 7 – 8:45 a.m.
Sat., Aug. 8 – 8:45 a.m.
Sun., Aug. 9 – 8:45 a.m.
Mon., Aug. 10 – 8:00 a.m.
Tue., Aug. 11 – 8:00 a.m.
Tue., Aug. 11 – 4:45 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 12 – 3:00 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 13 – 8:00 a.m.
Thu., Aug. 13 – 4:45 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 14 – 3:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 15 – 8:15 a.m.
Mon., Aug. 17 – 7:00 p.m.