The Mississippi heat didn’t hold back the New Orleans Saints from starting their preseason training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson Friday.

The Saints suited up in full pads for the first session of two-a-day practice at 8:50 a.m. sharp.

They primarily had a light workout focusing on special teams and some game related situations.

“I thought that this morning’s (practice) went pretty well,” head coach Sean Payton said. “You’re looking for some enthusiasm and the speed of practice. Our speed was good”

First round pick Robert Meachem was full speed after having off-season knee injury.

“I’m pretty good,” Meachem said. “There is no pain.”

Meachem just recently signed a deal with the Saints prior to training camp.

“Meachem is coming along,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. “Some of the things he does seem very natural.”

Payton warned after the first practice session that it was too early to compare last season’s break out rookie, wide receiver Marques Colston, and Meachem.

“They are different receivers,” Payton said.

Brees looked to be in top form. He is able to participate more than last summer due to shoulder surgery.

“Everything went very well today,” Brees said. “Our tempo was good and we are farther along.”

The backfield duties were split between Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush and rookie Ohio State standout Antonio Pittman.

“Pitman has to get in the playbook,” McAllister said. “He’s talented.”

Bush and McAllister will continue to split time this season.

“We take pressure off each other,” Bush said.

The expectations will be higher from Bush after coming off a great rookie season rushing for 565 yards and racking up 88 receptions.

“Reggie has to be accounted every play,” McAllister said.

With all the offensive tools at Payton’s disposal, the Saints won’t be able to take anyone by surprise this season.

“I mentioned this a number of times in meetings,” Payton said. “There’s nothing promised to us in the 2007 season as a result of ’06.”

Payton will depend on Brees to motivate and be a team leader.

“I think we are fortunate to have him,” Payton said. “ I think he has the ability to elevate the play of the others around him and look for the little things just as we do as coaches to do things right.”

The Saints will hold 28 practices at Millsaps finishing on August 16.

Their first preseason game is August 5 in the Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburg Steelers in Canton, Ohio.

The Saints will open the regular season against Super Bowl Champs Indianapolis Colts on September 6.