HAMMOND – On a day that was more reminiscent of early October, the Southeastern Louisiana University football team opened fall drills Monday evening with a solid workout on the Southeastern Practice Fields.

The Lions, who open the 2008 schedule Aug. 30 at Alcorn State, took advantage of the breezy conditions and temperatures in the upper-80’s. The first workout of the season was used on teaching the fundamentals to the newcomers with the returning players getting re-acquainted with the offensive and defensive schemes.

“Today was a very good day for us, you couldn’t have asked for a better day to practice during the first week of camp” head coach Mike Lucas said. “There was a lot of energy out there from everyone. We have some work to do in getting better as a football team, but today was a good first step.”

The opening workout also saw the r            ecovering from injury. Each of Southeastern’s four quarterbacks saw plenty of work while Jay Lucas led a stable of running backs that includes returning letterwinner Johnny Owen, junior college transfer Jasper Ducksworth and former Springfield High product Zeke Jones.

Southeastern returns to action Tuesday with its second workout of the season  beginning at 8 a.m. All practices are open to the public.

SOUTHEASTERN FOOTBALL ADDS BAYLOR TRANSFER TO 2008 ROSTER

 Southeastern Louisiana University football coach Mike Lucas added another member to his stable of quarterbacks when he announced Thursday that Baylor transfer Tyler Beatty will join the Lions when they open fall practice on Monday.

Beatty, a 6-foot-3 sophomore from Pflugerville, Texas, saw action in three games last season for the Bears, with his most extensive action coming against nationally-ranked TCU. As a redshirt freshman, Beatty completed 5-of-18 passes, setting career-bests in completions (three), attempts (eight) and yards (15) against TCU in his collegiate debut.

“We’re very excited to have a fine, young man like Tyler join our program,” Lucas said. “Everyone that we have talked to says that he’s a hard worker and will be a great fit for our program.”

Beatty, who also served as the holder on Baylor’s extra-point and field goal units, spent one season as a starter at Pflugerville High where he completed 84-of-184 passes for 1,688 yards and 13 touchdowns. He earned first-team District 15-5A honors both in the classroom and on field in 2005 and led the Panthers to the second-round of 2005 Class 5A Division II playoffs.

He joins a quarterback field at Southeastern that returns starter Brian Babin along with senior Mike Neville and incoming freshman B.J. Young.

The Lions report for fall practice on Sunday before holding their first official practice at 5 p.m. Monday on the Southeastern Practice Fields.