SAVANNAH, Ga. -- If you can't stand the heat, get off the football field.
Offensive lineman Kyle Frazier and defensive lineman Nathaniel Chisholm welcomed Savannah State University's first day in full pads Saturday morning with indifference to oppressive obstacles for big men – heat and humidity.
"This is our home field. Not everyone can play at the Marsh," said the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Frazier after a 90-minute practice featuring an 11-on-11 scrimmage. "You can feel (the humidity) when you get out here but it felt good to get back at it, go at game speed. It was nice to run a little bit."
SSU has had eight practices since opening camp on Aug. 5. The Tigers acclimated to the summer weather in layers. They opened with shorts and helmets, a few days later added shoulder pads and Saturday, added the padded pants.
"I was raised in Savannah so I'm use to this weather. I've been doing this since 5 (years old)," said Chisholm, a 6-1, 285-pounder who played at Islands High School. "It's really regular as long as you stay hydrated and work out (in the heat)."
Tigers head coach Aaron Kelton said putting on pads adds to practice intensity.
"It's a chance for us to get some live periods and see what guys are made of," he said. "It increases the physicality of practice and that's important.
"(It displays) how well you can hold up mentally. If someone gets a good shot on you, are you going to hold up or are you going to give in to your feelings? We wanted to see where we are right now."
After eight practices, Kelton said some bright spots are emerging, led by returning wide receiver Randy Scott.
Despite missing time in the preseason because of a leg injury last season, Scott showed big-play potential by averaging 17 yards a catch (7 receptions, 119 yards) and 26.2 yards on kickoffs (6 returns, 157 yards) in limited opportunities.
He caught a touchdown pass and added a 66-yard kickoff return against Kentucky State.
"(Scott) has been fantastic the entire camp," Kelton said. "He's turning into an elite receiver and he'll be a huge part of what we do. … All our receivers are good. We have to get them the ball more and let them make plays."
Kelton also applauded the play of quarterback Jadon Adams, who ended last season as the Tigers' starter. Kelton said Adams has been impressive as a leader.
Kelton said the defensive line "has done a good job" and the offensive line "is coming along."
Frazier is expected to be a key on the offensive line after earning second-team All-Southern Intercollegiate Conference honors the last two seasons.
Frazier was a first-team preseason pick in a voting of the league coaches at the SIAC Media Day in July.
"We're trying to get the chemistry right," said Frazier about the offensive line. "We're getting better each day."
SSU, 5-5 a year ago, has full scrimmages slated for Aug. 19 and Aug. 26, as Kelton begins to solidify a depth chart.
The Tigers open the season Sept. 2 in Lakeland, Fla., against Southeastern University.
"We're a long way away from Sept. 2. but I think we're moving in the right direction," Kelton said.
