Freshman Brandon Payne of El Dorado hauls in a catch during Thursday’s practice.

Chris Reil and Nathan Brown go through repetitions in passing drills during Thursday’s workout.

Chris Reil looks to the open receiver while the offensive line keeps the defense away. Reil completed 15 of 21 passes for 167 yards and 1 touchdown in 2004.

Chris Reil pitches the pigskin to a halfback while fullback Joe Walker prepares to clear a path.

Running back Ross Brown takes a handoff during Thursday’s drills. Brown averaged 7.5 yards per carry last season, and scored 3 touchdowns in 24 carries.

And he does it so well, we took the picture twice.

Veteran fullback Darren Shaw lays waste to a helpless dummy, taking out an entire offseason’s worth of aggression in the first practice. Shaw had 11 catches last year.

Defensive Ends coach Brian Early barks out instructions as his players attempt to move the sled with varying levels of success.

Trainer Dave Strickland talks to the defensive ends as they work on the sled in Thursday’s practice.

Players go through a grueling series of Up-Downs after giving what coaches felt was an unacceptable effort on the preceeding play.

Defensive tackles coach Keith Wagner shows Echo Sports his gameface.

Sophomore wide receiver Eric Ware prepares to haul in a pass. Ware is expected to have an increased role after hauling in only one pass a year ago.

Defensive coordinator Denzil Cox walks off the field looking for shade after calling out his instructions.

Aaron Fairooz jogs back to the line after making a catch. He averaged 15.3 yards in 51 grabs last year.

Running backs coach Hud Jackson, in his first practice at UCA, gives running back Kentrel Rogers a pointer.

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