JACKSONVILLE – Head football coach Jack Crowe gave the Gamecocks “high grades” following Saturday's football practice as the team worked in helmets for the second straight day.

“I would have to give our first two days of practice a high grade,” said Crowe, who begins his 11th season leading the Gamecocks. “I'm pleased with the attitude of our team. The seniors are leading the way and the younger players are stepping up and following.”

Jacksonville State worked for just over two hours Saturday afternoon after Friday's first practice was moved to the evening due to thunderstorms and lightning that passed through the area.

Crowe did say he felt like the Gamecock defense was going to be fast on the field in 2010.

“I think there are something outs here that are defining. One is I think we are a very fast football team, I don't mean it in a track meet kind of way, but in a reaction kind of way,” Crowe said. “There is a quick reaction to the football team to what's going on.”

Crowe also said the first few days was a learning period for his squad, which returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.

“The challenge for us is to grasp the wide scope of what we are trying to approach this season with, which is coming up with a truly unique game plan for everyone that we are playing,” Crowe said. “As Brother (Oliver) use to call it, the cafeteria of defenses, and then you just pick out the elements this week that might give you the advantage.”

Jacksonville State will continue working in helmets and shoulder pads for the first time on Sunday, before putting on the pads for the first time on Tuesday.