The Spartans started practicing in full pads Saturday, only weeks away from their first game against Kent State.

"This is the best first day we have had (in three years)," said head coach John L. Smith "I really liked the way they operated today."

Despite some mental mistakes, Smith feels that the team had a good first day and is ahead of where the team was at this point last year. He said part of the reason the team is further along is because the team had so many players dedicating themselves to getting better in the offseason.

"They have worked hard over the summer," Smith said. "They came out and went through practices on their own, which helps their retention."

With junior Drew Stanton having the starting quarterback position secured going into the first game, the team is still looking for someone to step up as a solid number two guy. Smith said he is pleased with redshirt freshman Brian Hoyer's performance so far, but the position is not set in stone.

"If we had to go with somebody right now, (Hoyer) would be the guy," Smith said. "There's some good competition, (freshman quarterback) Domenic (Natale) came in and did a couple good things, too."

Smith said there is an advantage in not having a solid number two quarterback because it creates competition at the position.

Stanton has been helping the young quarterbacks and others out in the huddle, which Smith hopes will be contagious to the entire team.

"I hope our entire team is getting better at doing that - you'd like to see that (more)," Smith said.

JUCO help

On the defensive side of the ball, senior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney said things on the defensive line are going as he thought they would, with the edition of a couple of junior college transfers or JUCO players.

"(Junior defensive end) Dave Stanton is coming along, he's picking up real quick," said McKinney. "(Junior defensive tackle) Bobby (Jones) was here in the spring and has gotten better since last spring."

Comfortable

Also on defense, junior linebacker David Herron Jr. is feeling more comfortable in his role on defense after coming into the program as a fullback.

"I believe it's natural," Herron Jr. said. "My knowledge for the game is better - knowing what the play is before it comes."

Along with his game knowledge growing, Herron Jr. feels its extremely important to become a vocal leader on the field and convey his will to win to his teammates. He takes it upon himself to energize the team.

"He's taken it to heart that he is going to be a great football player," Smith said. "He can run sideline to sideline and is making plays."