ELON, N.C. -- Practice number three of the Elon football team's spring practice saw the Phoenix don shoulder pads for the first time.  Elon continued to install its new sets and work on special teams drills during the two-hour plus session.

Head Coach Jason Swepson on position battles...
"The quarterback position is what everyone is looking at because we're losing an All-American who has been here for four years.  I'm really studying the quarterback position and I feel that they're making strides with the new philosophies, new terminology and the new offense.  'm real anxious to see the progression of the quarterback position.  Right now they're above par.  The receivers are competing at a high level and I'm really excited about the offensive line.  On defense, the line really got after it today and I'm excited about those guys.  I think we're solid at the back end – at both linebacker and the defensive backs.  We're five-for-five on field goals.  Overall I think the team is coming together and I'm trying to look at it objectively."

Swepson on opportunities created by injuries...
"Injuries create opportunity.  It gives the back-up guys more work.  I'm excited about some of these other young kids being able to get a lot of reps."

Running back #A.J. Harris# also took a few minutes following practice to discuss the early days of spring workouts.



2011 Elon Phoenix Spring Football Practice Schedule
Friday, March 18 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, April 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 2 – 12 p.m. (Rhodes Stadium)
Monday, April 4 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, April 8 – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 9 – 12 p.m. (Rhodes Stadium)
Monday, April 11 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 13 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, April 15 – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 16 – 2 p.m. (Rhodes Stadium - Spring Game)