ELON, N.C. -- The Elon football team held its fourth practice of the spring on Tuesday morning as the Phoenix worked out in pads for the second time.  Following the workout, we caught up with both coach Jason Swepson and junior defensive back Miles Williams.

Swepson on Saturday's first day in pads:

"I really liked Saturday's practice.  It was a beautiful day.  They had Friday off, so they came out fresh and alert.  If we can have that intensity for the rest of the spring, then we will be ok.  I think we have a physical football team.  The pads were a little high, but that was expected after not having the pads on for a few months.  We got the pad level down today.  I think we're a physical football team."

Swepson on Tuesday's practice:

"I think the kids stayed up a little late watching the national championship game last night.  We came out a little sluggish and got through the individual periods.  Once the team periods came along, the kids really turned it on.  We just have to start practice with a little more focus and initiative."

Swepson on the development of the lines:

"We still have a lot of work to do on the offensive line.  We had to move Kyle Einwaechter over to offensive line.  He's running with the second group at left guard and I think he has a future there.  I think that some of the incoming freshmen will have to play.  I feel good about the depth chart on the defensive line.  We have some veteran players there."

Swepson on the recovery from injuries:

"They are coming along.  They still can't go through a full practice.  With all the shoulder injuries, they can't do contact yet, but they are getting some good individual and skeleton work."

Williams on the start of practice:

"I think we're doing really well.  The front is getting after it and moving really fast.  The linebackers are running well.  And the defensive backs, we're flying around and making some plays.  We're catching on to some things that we're not used to yet."

Williams on new defensive coordinator Brad Sherrod:

"It's a lot simpler than before.  He's intense and very hard on us.  But I feel like we're in a better place than where we were when I first came in.  In Coach (Ed) Pinkham's scheme, there were a lot of small details.  If one thing went wrong, then the whole thing went wrong.  Coach (Brad) Sherrod gives us a lot more flexibility in making our own calls.  It allows us to think and be comfortable."

Williams on a veteran defensive group:

"We've had a lot of experience and have a lot of games under our belt.  We've seen it all.  We're working together and helping the younger guys come along and that has brought us a lot closer as a defense."

Williams on younger players stepping in for injured players:

"Everyone has to be locked in.  In the past, some of the threes wouldn't get as many reps.  We have to be able to count on people to come in and play if somebody goes down.  We need guys who can come in and step up."

Williams on the goal during spring:

"Learning the playbook and to play fast, disciplined football.  We have to play the football that we know that we can play.  If we play up to our potential we think we can be one of the best defenses in the conference."

The team’s remaining practice schedule is:

Thursday, April 11 - 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, April 13 - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 16 - 8:45 a.m.
Thursday, April 18 - 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, April 20 - 1:00 p.m. (Scrimmage in Rhodes Stadium)
Tuesday, April 23 - 8:45 a.m.
Thursday, April 25 - 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, April 27 - 1:00 p.m. (Scrimmage in Rhodes Stadium)
Tuesday, April 30 - 8:45 a.m.
Thursday, May 2 - 8:45 a.m.
Friday, May 3 - 7:00 p.m. (Spring Game in Rhodes Stadium)