On the second day of Fresno State’s fall camp practices, coach Tim DeRuyter found early comfort in a position he said he didn’t see last year — kicker.

Freshman kicker Colin McGuire, from Austin, Texas, made an early impression on DeRuyter, who said Saturday was “Probably the most encouraged I’ve been here.”

“We hit all of our kicks, and it looks like it’s supposed to look like,” DeRuyter said. “That ball really comes out of Colin’s well and I think he can really be a weapon for us.”

McGuire will be put in more pressure situations and in-game scenarios as the preseason practices progress — and the Bulldogs begin to practice in full pads — to solidify his place as the starter.

Last season, the position battle at kicker wasn’t settled until the week heading up to Fresno State’s season when redshirt freshman walk-on Quentin Breshears earned the nod over Blake Dunn and punter Andrew Shapiro.

“I feel much better about our kicking game right now than at any point last year,” DeRuyter said.

Also…

Fresno State practiced in the season-opener white helmets it will use against Rutgers at Bulldog Stadium on Aug. 29.

The Bulldogs will practice in helmets and shoulder pads on Sunday and Monday and begin practice in full pads on Tuesday.

Fresno State’s evening scrimmage (7 p.m.) on Aug. 16 is open to the public.