ELON, N.C. -- With just days left in preseason camp, the Elon Phoenix football team spent roughly two hours on the Hunt and Tucker Practice Fields on Tuesday afternoon. 

The Phoenix continued to work on fine-tuning its routes and reads with many different drills throughout the session.  Following practice, we caught up with both head coach Jason Swepson and offensive coordinator Chris Pincince.

Swepson on keys in final week:
"To stay healthy.  We're still debating what we're going to do in Thursday's scrimmage.  We'll do some live situations, but we'll also do some thud just."

Swepson on if anything new goes in this week:
"I don't think we'll throw anything new in.  We really have to start polishing up and finalize our game plan for Vanderbilt."

Swepson on the injuries:
"These guys are fighting to get back on the field.  Other programs I've been at, you have guys that like to hang out in the training room and take a few extra days when they're actually ready.  This group is doing everything they can to get back out there."

Pincince on how the offense has taken shape:
"I think our quarterback and offensive line position have been pretty good.  We've been banged up at receiver and running back so we've had to get some young guys in there.  But up front, I think we're going to count on a lot of those guys who have played a lot of football."

Pincince on what All-American receiver Aaron Mellette brings to the team:
"Number one, from a work ethic standpoint, he works harder than anyone out here on the offensive side of the ball.  When you couple that with his talent, that's the way everyone should practice.  He gives us a threat and can go the distance every time.  Because of his size and his physical stature we can throw the ball up to him and he'll make a play.  If a defense leaves him one-on-one I feel pretty good.  But defenses aren't dumb.  They're going to put a couple of people on him and that will open things up for other people.  He creates mismatches."

Pincince on the trio of senior running backs (#A.J. Harris#, Jamal Shuman and Dontay Taylor):
"They all bring a little something different to the table.  They've all played a lot of football.  We just have to find the best way to utilize all three of them.  They all practice very, very hard when they're out there."

Pincince on the offensive line:
"The experience of those three seniors is key for us.  You're not going to go on the offensive side of the ball unless the offensive line is gelling together.  Rodney, in particular, gives us somebody who is physical, vocal and is a leader up front.  His energy and athleticism are something we're going to use."

2011 Elon Phoenix Practice Schedule
Wed., Aug. 24 – 3:40 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Thurs., Aug. 25 – 6:00 p.m. – Rhodes Stadium (Scrimmage)
* Subject to change