Enquirer wire services

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Many college football players who love their sport dread August, and it's easy to figure out why they feel that way. Demanding preseason practices in the midst of sweltering weather conditions make for an unpleasant - and sometimes unhealthy - combination.

This month might prove a little less difficult.

The NCAA has enacted new rules that will alter the way schools across the country approach their preseason football camps.

Freshmen and transfers no longer are allowed to practice in the days before returning players arrive. Preseason practice must now begin with a five-day "acclimatization" period in which only one practice can be held per day, and that practice cannot exceed three hours. And in perhaps the biggest change of all, teams no longer can practice twice a day on consecutive days.

The rule changes, approved in April by the NCAA's Management Council, were made to protect players from heat-related illnesses.

Two years ago, NFL offensive tackle Korey Stringer died from complications from heat stroke during the Minnesota Vikings' training camp.

That summer, two college players died before preseason practices began. Florida freshman Eraste Autin collapsed from heat stroke following a voluntary conditioning workout, suffered a heart attack, lapsed into a coma and died at the age of 18. A week after Autin's death, Northwestern defensive back Rashidi Wheeler suffered a severe asthma attack during a conditioning test and died at 22.

With the new rules in place, coaches must adjust their practice regimens, although teams still can practice the same number of times (29) as they could last year.

"It'll be different, but we will be able to get our work in," Miami coach Larry Coker said. "I think it will be fine. Everybody is under the same rules."

WASHINGTON: Defensive linemen Josh Miller and Junior Coffin will miss the upcoming season due to injuries.

Miller, a junior who started 13 games at defensive tackle and had 33 tackles last season, is sidelined because of a back injury.

Coffin, a junior who was on the starting defensive unit in the spring, will be sidelined because of a chronic pinched nerve in his neck and shoulder.

TEXAS A&M: The Dennis Franchione Era officially opens today when 105 Aggies are expected to report to camp, the first in 15 years without R.C. Slocum at the helm.

Aggies fans can't wait. Since hiring Franchione, A&M season-ticket sales have skyrocketed, and donations to the 12th Man Foundation have poured in. Meet-and-greet sessions around the state with A&M backers have been attended in record numbers.

"This is my 31st year, and I don't think I've ever had a fall camp that I've been more excited to get started," Franchione said. "We have a lot of work to do, but I'm excited about the work and the possibilities."