COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It didn't take long for the Tennessee Tech football coaches to see a marked improvement in their players during fall camp.

 

Just about a little under 24 hours, to be precise.

 

Workouts continued on Thursday as the Golden Eagles continue their camp work through August 21, then get their sights set on the season-opener on Sept. 1 against Wofford.

 

And according to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Shawn Quinn, the Golden Eagles are already making huge strides.

 

"As a team today, we were working on a lot more than X's and O's," Quinn said. "We were working on the fundamentals of finishing and cleaning up some stuff from yesterday. We had a team pass and a two-minute scenario at the end of practice.

 

"Right now, we're not in pads (the pads get strapped on for the first time on Sunday according to the team's camp schedule) and it's an acclimation day, so there's a lot of teaching fundamentals. We spent a lot of time reviewing our calls from yesterday and putting some new stuff in. But more than anything, we've been practicing with much more of an edge and doing a better job of breaking and running with the ball."

 

Quinn continued, "We really look good physically.  We just have to continue to learn all the ins and outs of everything that we're asking those guys to do."

 

As for improvement?

 

"(Thursday) was much better than yesterday," Quinn said. "The intensity was definitely better. The guys were in a good vibe and they came out and attacked practice. They had some enthusiasm, some fun. It was very competitive and that's what we're looking for. We want a competitive environment where we're pushing each other. We're competing against ourselves in the right way."

 

With the marked improvement across the board, it was hard to just pinpoint any one player for having a fantastic day as he saw a lot of players having amazing efforts in the morning camp session.

 

"We have so many great players in the offensive skill positions," Quinn said. "The quarterbacks did a great job. But in the secondary, we had some guys come down with some great picks – A.J. Flemister and Maleek Hall did nice jobs. We had a freshman make an interception. (Marshall transfer) Michael Birdsong has been impressive at quarterback both days and has done an impressive job of leading the team. It just seems to have a more veteran feel across the board, so I'd have to say I'm impressed with the team as a whole."

Following meetings early this evening, the Golden Eagles will hit the Tucker Stadium turf again this evening for a walkthrough, before returning for another practice session on Friday morning for the third of their five acclimation days.