South Alabama football battles heat on Day 1 of camp

Temperatures in the mid-90s have been commonplace in the Mobile area this summer, but Friday was an especially hot day on the South Alabama football practice fields.

The Jaguars opened preseason camp outdoors in shorts and helmets Friday morning, with temperatures in the high 90s overall and upwards of 100 on the artificial turf at the Yance Practice Facility. Third-year head coach Kane Wommack said Friday’s practice was “pretty clean” despite the oppressive heat.

“I would say with the heat index, that was probably the hottest practice we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Wommack said. “The guys, they’ve got to adjust to those things. Nothing that you do in the summertime can prepare you for those first couple days of fall camp, but that’s what we need to push through.

“I’m really pleased with some of the leadership that I’m seeing from our guys, especially the older players that have been in this program. They’ve taken care of their bodies the right way, and…