JACKSONVILLE – Head coach Jack Crowe was pleased with what he saw on Sunday as the Gamecocks worked in shoulder pads for the first time as the team worked out for just over two hours.

“First time we put on shoulder pads,” Crowe said following the third practice of the preseason. “We had to get in football position and use our hands and our shoulders and our helmets a little bit. It's clear to me that we like to play football and I've always seen that in this team.”

Crowe did say the first few practices are a learning process for the new players.

“There's a lot of miscues and a lot of young guys that do not know what to do, so we've got a lot teaching to do and a lot of learning to do,” Crowe added. “But, there are some talented players out here who like to play and that's what it's all about.”

Freshman signee Coty Blanchard caught the eye of the 11th year head coach in Sunday's workout.

“There's a reason Coty Blanchard is Mr. Football,” said Crowe. “In terms of new looks, we've got a couple of guys on defense, but it's a little too early to talk about. Coty does look like that's done this his whole life.”

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