As the end of spring practice approaches for the Elon University football team, I find myself eager for the annual spring game April 28 at Rhodes Stadium. Why am I fervently waiting for next week’s spring game? Because I know the players and coaches will want to bounce back in a big way from last year’s disappointing season.
Last year, Elon had a roster full of talented playmakers on both offense and defense, but had the misfortune of playing in the toughest league in the football sub-division, also called the FCS. There was Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Wofford and Furman, all ranked in the top twenty-five throughout the season.
Elon wasn’t intimidated though, playing all four teams to fairly competitive games. The Phoenix lost three, but had no reason to be discouraged by their play.
The disheartening losses were what ultimately led Elon to its disappointing finish. The team finished 5-6, but if it hadn’t been for losses to Chattanooga and Samford, the Phoenix would have at least ended the season with a winning record.
One of the biggest issues last year was quarterback Thomas Wilson’s penchant for throwing the ball to the opposing team. Coach Jason Swepson knew it needed to be addressed in spring practice, and he’s encouraged by what he sees.
"We've done a good job protecting the football on offense (in spring practice),” Swepson told ElonPhoenix.com. “I believe that we haven't thrown an interception in the last six practices. Right now we're working on the little things. I like where we're at. We want to finish up on a strong note.”
In an effort to wipe the slate clean and start anew, the team has come out with determination and drive that they hope will equate to more wins and a berth in the FCS playoffs.
I’m encouraged because next season will be the teams’ second under the leadership of head coach Jason Swepson. This familiarity will hopefully result in fewer mistakes in the crucial minutes of a close game, something the Phoenix struggled with last season.
And, of course, I’m eager to see superstar Aaron Mellette don the maroon and gold for one last season. After using last year to familiarize himself with Wilson, and have an unbelievable season nonetheless, I see no reason why Mellette can’t equal the production he generated a season ago and catch the eye of an NFL scout or two in the process.
I’m also excited to see the new “wildcat” plays the coaches have designed for the slot receivers. Coach Swepson has expressed his satisfaction in the adjustment the wideouts have had to make.
“Those inside receivers got a lot of work in the run game [April 21]," Swepson told ElonPhoenix.com. "Those guys aren't afraid. It's going to give us a tremendous boost. It's also going to cause defenses to practice on personnel groups. If they can keep progressing I think we have a future in [the wildcat].
The defense is going to be interesting to watch during the spring game next Saturday. The unit could be a tad porous last year, but have supposedly improved significantly since a new package has been implemented.
“The defense is really excited about the package we're playing with,” Swepson noted to ElonPhoenix.com. “We're doing a lot of man, a lot of zone, a lot of blitzing - we through the whole playbook at them. It's a fun defense. On offense, we're wide open anyway.”
The Phoenix has a tough schedule again this year, not surprising so long as they are members of the Southern Conference. The Phoenix open the season with a road game at the University of North Carolina Sept. 1 , a game Swepson is elated about.
“I’m very excited, obviously,” Swepson said in an interview with The Pendulum Feb. 13. “Opening up with North Carolina, it’s going to be something that is going to be fun for our kids and our fans and the program in general, then starting the conference with the three top dogs. It will give us an indication of where we’re at.”
The “three top dogs” Swepson refers to are road games at Georgia Sothern and Appalachian State with a home game against Woffod in between.
Now that the spring game is almost upon us, my excitement has begun to build for not only what will come April 28th, but also for what will transpire in the fall.