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ELON, N.C. -- With fall-like temperatures leaving the air brisk, the Elon Phoenix football team made its way out to the Hunt and Tucker practice fields for the first of 15 spring sessions on Tuesday morning.

The Phoenix worked out in shorts, jerseys and helmets for just over two hours and coach Jason Swepson was pleased with the results of the first workouts of his second spring leading the maroon and gold.

Swepson on how this practice compares to his first last year: "Everyone knows what they're doing.  Everyone knows the drills and the routine.  The only change is the time of practice.  The kids came out and were wide awake, in fact they were out here 10 minutes early.  I think they're excited about the morning practice and I think it will be beneficial for us.  Today was a little smoother than last year.  I didn't have to coach the coaches.  They knew the routine.  We were able to right into technique and individual stuff and not have on-field meetings"

Swepson on what the team was able to accomplish on Tuesday: "We were able to get a lot of work in both teaching and technique wise.  I have a feeling that this team is going to want to hit and be successful.  I'm looking forward to the rest of the spring."

Swepson on looking for leaders during the spring: "We need some leadership.  We lost some great leaders last year.  We have a lot of veterans who have played some football.  I'm excited.  I think we're going to have some good leadership; we have a returning captain in Blake Thompson."

Swepson on losses from the fall: "Losing three senior running backs is a concern for us, the tight end position is a concern for us and we lost three good ones on the offensive line.  The offense took a hit.  The defense has nine of 11 coming back.  The offense is probably going to have to take some baby steps this spring."

Swepson on what he's looking for early in practice: "I think the first practice starts Friday night when we put the shoulder pads on.  Our technique looks better than it did a year ago.  We've taken major steps forward and had a great winter conditioning program.  Now its about being physical and controlling the line of scrimmage."

All practice sessions are open to the public and the upcoming schedule is listed below.  Practice dates, times and locations are subject to change due to weather conditions.  All practices will be conducted on the Hunt and Tucker practice fields unless otherwise noted below.  Three practices, including the Spring Game, will be held in Rhodes Stadium.

2012 Elon Phoenix Spring Football Practice Upcoming Schedule
Thursday, March 29th – 7:35 a.m.
Friday, March 30th – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 1st – 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 3rd – 7:35 a.m.
Thursday, April 5th – 7:35 a.m.
Tuesday, April 10th – 7:35 a.m.
Thursday, April 12th – 7:35 a.m.
Saturday, April 14th – 3:30 p.m. (Rhodes Stadium)
Tuesday, April 17th – 7:35 a.m.
Thursday, April 19th – 7:35 a.m.
Saturday, April 21st – 2:30 p.m. (Rhodes Stadium)
Tuesday, April 24th – 7:35 a.m.
Thursday, April 26th – 7:35 a.m.
Saturday, April 28th – 1:00 p.m. (Spring Game – Rhodes Stadium)