For three summers, South Carolina’s football coaches have been allowed more leniency when it comes to their offseason conditioning and practice schedules.

And starting this year, Horry County’s nine coaches received a pay bump, at least in part, due to the increased work. But for all the extra time and the talk surrounding it, Friday’s first day of fall camp still brings the same adrenaline rush it always did for players and coaches.

“You want to know who is going to show up 100 percent, who’s ready,” 11th year Aynor coach Jody Jenerette said. “It’s more butterflies. I’ll get up about 4 o’clock. It’s like Christmas.”

While there are several mile markers along the way in the next month – the first day in full pads, the CNB Kickoff Classic luncheon and scrimmages, and various photo days – Friday’s practices are about as anticipated as anything other than that first game day. If nothing else, the combination of preparation and kicking off the timeline of fall camp comes together for everyone.