DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The first week of 2017 Bethune-Cookman Football Camp is in the books, and Head Coach Terry Sims and the Wildcats continue to prepare for the season opener at No. 18 Miami (Fla.) on September 2, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Game time is set for 12:30 p.m., at Hard Rock Stadium.
 
It did not take long for everyone on the Wildcats Practice Fields to notice Sunday's traditional "day of rest" for most was far from that in Coach Sims' playbook, so to speak.
 
Instead, the third-year head coach decided to up the pace of practice and go in full pads for the first time in fall camp.
 
"Turn up the heat," yelled Sims. "We're turning up the heat, baby."
 
That described Sunday's practice, in a nutshell.
 
Temperatures ranged in the low-90s as the heat certainly was "turned up". Winds came out of the east right off the Atlantic Ocean at eight miles per hour. However, the humidity sat steady at 61 percent, pushing the heat index to 102 degrees.
 
The practice was headlined by a hard-hitting 7-on-7 live action performance that stretched two of the 27-period practice session.
 
Quarterbacks Larry Brihm Jr., Akevious Williams and junior transfer Collyn Anderson each took equal reps with the first and second team offense, respectfully. However, it was the defense that took center stage on this day, as the linebackers stepped in front of one pass for an interception, while the defensive line recovered a pair of fumbles – one going the distance just over 50 yards for a touchdown.
 
"We're just out here trying to get better each and every day, and making each other work harder," said junior cornerback Elliott Miller.
 
The heat and the pace of practice continues to intensify each day, and it's the voice of Sims describing it best.
 
"You will work harder; you will get better," says the Jesup, Georgia native. "This is Wildcats Football. That's all you need to know."
 
The second and final week of camp continues Monday, Aug. 7, back at the Wildcats Practice Fields. The start time is set for 10 a.m., while all practices are officially closed to the media and public.
 
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