ELON, N.C. -- In its final tune-up before Saturday's spring game, the Elon Phoenix football team spent around two hours on the Hunt and Tucker practice fields going through conditioning, position work and team periods in front of a handful of fans on Wednesday afternoon.

Head Coach Jason Swepson on goals for Saturday's spring game:

"I just want to see great effort and obviously we want to stay healthy.  Today was a major step forward for the team.  We came out with great energy.  The defense was dialed in.  I think the offense kind of got comfortable and the defense took it to them today.  Defense wins championships and I'm excited about the progress of our defense.  On offense, we still have to work on timing.  We're looking forward to putting it all together on Saturday."

Swepson on if team is where he thought it would be at this point:

"That's a tough question because I didn't really knew what we had in the past.  What I'm pleased about is the effort, the commitment to excellence, the desire to get better and the understanding of the new system.  I'm pleased."

Defensive back Ronnie Hardison on improvement from last year:

"As far as the defense goes, I think we're playing a lot more physical.  We're getting after it.  We're focused on our assignments and trying to cut down on the mental errors.  We're trying to play fast and physical.  As DBs we're getting better every day.  We're just competing and making each other better.  We just have to keep working."

Hardison on learning the new system:

"I think it's harder on the defense than the offense.  A slant is a slant.  For a defense, as far as the safties and corners go, we're reading different things.  We're learning it.  We've put most of the stuff in."

Hardison on the new defensive backs coaches:

"Being that Coach O'Brien was at Alabama when they won the National Championship and Coach Pinkham was at Rutgers, they have the experience and they know what it takes to play the position.  They're teaching us every step of the way.  I'm really enjoying it and I think all the DBs are as well.  Every play, they're right there teaching you."

Hardison on Saturday's spring game:

"Personally, I'm just looking to do my job and do it to the best of my ability.  When the time comes I want to make plays.  I'm going to try to control what I can control.  Somebody told me that as a DB you have to be like a goldfish in the bowl, 'six seconds and it's gone.'  Saturday I'm going to try and play hard, fast and physical."

2011 Elon Phoenix Spring Football Practice Schedule
Saturday, April 16 – 2 p.m. (Rhodes Stadium - Spring Game)
Monday, April 18 – 4:30 p.m
Wednesday, April 20 – 4:30 p.m.

The Spring Game will be preceded by the dedication of Alumni Field House at 1:30 p.m.