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Billy Riebock

Football

Phoenix Football Begins Second Week of Spring Practice

ELON, N.C. -- Already five practices in to its spring allotment, the Elon football team begins week two of spring practice under head coach Rich Skrosky on Wednesday afternoon.

Prior to Wednesday's session, Skrosky provided his thoughts on the first week of practice.

What have been your impressions of the team following the first week of practice?
"It's been about what I expected.  I don't think we're ahead of where I thought; I don't think we're behind where I thought.  I think the energy and enthusiasm has stayed through.  We had a long weekend. We went on Sunday so that we can give them some time off for Easter.  I think you're seeing the guys settling into the routine of practice as opposed to the first day or two where was 'What does that whistle mean,' 'Where do I go in this special teams period?'  I also think we're about where I thought we'd be schematically.  I think they're getting settled in to what the terminology is.  The next step is to start executing some things.  I need to see that happen.  I'm hoping between today and Friday that it starts coming together from an execution standpoint."

What has pleased you the most so far?
"The energy and enthusiasm.  They've embraced it.  The feedback I've gotten, not only from the players, but from people who have been observing for a long time, is that the way the practice is moving and the amount of coaching and detail, that the kids are locked in to it.  Now, it's a matter of taking all that information and applying it.  As expected, I think the defense is a little ahead of the offense.  You can have some missed assignments on the defensive side and still be successful in terms of the result.  On offense, if you have a breakdown somewhere, it's very evident.  We have to maintain the energy and enthusiasm."

What have you learned about your team over the first five practices?
"I'm still learning.  I don't know if it's different than it was a few years ago.  I think this is a team that is hungry for structure.  I've had one player come in and say, 'Coach, it seems like you're always doing something.'  I was like, 'Yeah, I'm always doing something and I hope I always see you doing something.'  We're learning who the leaders are.  But it's hard for them.  You need to lead by example first before you become a vocal leader.  That's the stage we're in.  Everyone's taking care of themselves first, and that's what they should be doing.  You need to make sure your assignment, technique and communication are right before you can become a vocal leader.  Yet, we're seeing some guys want to be a vocal leader.  The kids have been good about coming in and seeing the tape."

Has anyone changed position?
"It's been more within the position.  We haven't lined up with the same first offensive line in the same spot yet.  We haven't moved anyone from offensive line to defensive line or anything like that.  There's been some rotation on the defensive line and there have been guys who have gone to safety from corner.  Linebacker is going to be a mix-and-match.  There haven't been any true position changes right now.  We'll have a personnel meeting tomorrow morning and again on Sunday morning.  We need to start identifying who can do what."

What is your goal of the first scrimmage?
"We're going to have three major scrimmages and Saturday is one of them.  I want to have certain practices that are fully dedicated to scrimmages.  When you have officials there, it's a little bit different.  I want to see how the kids react.  It's not a drill and it's revealing.  I've had players for 25-plus years that are good practice players and when the lights come on something changes.  And I've had it the other way.  When the officials are here and there's a little bit of a crowd they turn their game up and focus a little bit better.  I want to see who is going to respond on scrimmage days.  We'll use today and Friday as prep days for Saturday's scrimmage."

All practice sessions are open to the public and the full schedule is listed below. Practice dates, times and locations are subject to change due to weather conditions.
 
Fans interested in attending practice sessions should contact Jonathan Small, director of football operations, at 336-278-6718.
 
2014 Elon Phoenix Spring Football Practice Schedule
Wednesday, April 9 – 5 p.m.
Friday, April 11 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 12 – 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 13 â€“ 12 p.m.

Monday, April 14 – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16 – 5 p.m.
Friday, April 18 – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 23 – 5 p.m.
Friday, April 25 – 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 – 6 p.m. Spring Game (Rhodes Stadium)
 
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