FLORENCE -- The University of North Alabama's first day in pads was a productive one but heat was again a factor, according to UNA Head Football Coach Mark Hudspeth.

"I thought we started out well but we really let up about midway through because of the heat," said Hudspeth. 

"We called the team up and had a little heart-to-heart and really challenged the players to raise the bar a little and they came back and picked it up."

Hudspeth said the team was getting good leadership from team captains A.J. Milwee and Derrick Chatman but he was looking for some additional players to step up.

"Derrick and A.J. are doing a good job but we need more leadership from our upperclassmen," Hudspeth said. "We need our veterans to step-up and show the new guys how we practice and what's expected and set the tone."

Hudspeth said the Lions had a good team scrimmage period and got a lot of work done on Wednesday.

The Lions are scheduled to have two practice sessions on Thursday but those plans are tentative due to temperatures forecast to be 103 in the Shoals.

UNA, the defending Gulf South Conference champion, opens its season on Sept. 8 at home against Tusculum.

Photos by Ben Ray/UNA Sports Information