JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville State worked in pads for the first time on Tuesday and head coach Jack Crowe was happy to see his squad hitting for the first time.

“We have a lot of guys that today is the first day we've seen in pads, actually 30 of them, almost one-third of our team,” Crowe said following the two-plus hour workout. “There is always opportunity on the football field.”

Crowe said several guys caught his eye as the team worked out in the 100-plus degree heat, including several first-year players.

“I am beginning to believe there are some young players that will in our 60-man roster when we load up to travel to Ole Miss,” Crowe said. “It's still early, but I think Michael Ellis seems to understand what he is here for and is playing for a purpose. Armani Williams, from Ft. Walton Beach, is also a guy that I noticed out here today.”

Ellis saw action in 10 games last season as a sophomore for the Gamecocks, while Williams is a freshman signee from Navarre High School.

Crowe also pointed out the play of several other newcomers.

“Darian Thomas, a transfer from Florida International, Robert Gray is a real football player and closer to home, there's Brenton Tolson, an inside linebacker for us and they are all guys that seem to be here for a purpose,” Crowe added.

Jacksonville State will hold a mini-scrimmage on Thursday, before holding its first full scrimmage on Saturday. Both scrimmages are closed to the public as the Gamecocks continue to prepare for their season opener at Ole Miss on Sept. 4.