Football Practices In Pads For First Time

August 06, 2006 | Football

Aug. 6, 2006

Several hundred fans were on hand Sunday afternoon in Alumni Stadium to watch the Boston College football team practice in shoulder pads for the first time. The fans awaited the end of the open practice before heading to the field for autographs.

The Eagles began fall camp Friday but were limited by NCAA rules to practicing in helmets and shorts the first two days. The team will be able to practice in shoulder pads Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before donning full pads for Wednesday's double session.

Wednesday evening, the team will take the field for the first of four preseason scrimmages, all of which are closed to the public.

"We've been doing a lot of teaching," Coach Tom O'Brien said. "Everyone's anxious to get into some team situations."