Troy suited up in full pads for the first time on Monday. The Trojans, who began practice on Aug. 2, enjoyed cooler conditions under overcast skies at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Temperatures eclipsed 100 degrees for Troy’s first practice. Five players sat out Friday’s practice due to heat related issues.

The Trojan offense stole the spotlight during the first two days in shorts and helmets. The third day, however, belonged to the defense as the team strapped on the shoulder pads for the first time.

“I think the defense sort of took advantage if the gear this morning,” head coach Larry Blakeney said following the practice. “They were energized and played with some emotion and some aggression and it sort of set the offense back.”

The passion spilled over more than once during the Saturday session as a few skirmishes broke out amidst the physical play ¬– as is the world of college football.

“That’s one of the keys to the game,” linebacker Jacoby Thomas said on Saturday of the defense’s ability to shake the offense’s rhythm. “You try to rattle them around a little bit and get in their heads.”

The offense bounced back to have a strong day on Sunday.

“It’s install for us early in practice,” quarterback Corey Robinson said. “The defense is getting a lot better. We are starting to get out of our install and starting to run our playbook so it’s going to hopefully start turning the other way.”

Troy will go through its first of two scheduled two-a-day practices today beginning at 8:15 a.m. then returning a 3:15 that afternoon.

The Trojans will also host its annual Fan Day on Sunday. The event, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., will be held on the west concourse of Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Trojan Warrior Club will provide free food and drinks.

Troy opens its 2012 season in Birmingham on Sept. 1 against UAB.

NOTES:

– Running back D.J. Taylor did not practice on Monday. Taylor has missed three of the five practices due to cramps.

– Wide receiver Hakeen Haynie nursed an ankle injury on Monday but is expected to return to the field in the next few days.

– USC transfer cornerback T.J. Bryant has been working with the second team defense while true freshman corner Shaq Beverly has been taking reps with the first team.

– Receivers Chip Reeves and Eric Thomas have turned in solid practices thus far. The duo have been working opposite each other in Troy’s offense.