Interim coach pleased with Alcorn State spring practices

Apr 5, 2012 - 9:45 PM Alcorn State, MS (Sports Network) - Interim Alcorn State football coach Todd McDaniel has been pleased with the Braves' progress as they wrap up their first week of spring practices.

McDaniel has provided stability for the Southwestern Athletic Conference program while the university seeks to replace Melvin Spears Jr., who was fired in February.

"The team has been grasping the systems over the past two days," McDaniels, who coaches the defensive line, said. "They understand the type of offensive, defensive and special teams schemes that we are trying to incorporate. Practice has been high tempo and all business. The team has been having fun while learning the system."

Quarterbacks Darius Smith and Brandon Vessel have split time under center while learning the system being installed by the coaching staff.

Scheduled to be off during the three-day weekend, the Braves will resume practice on Monday, leading up to a spring game on April 28.

Alcorn State posted a 2-8 record (1-8 SWAC) in its only season under Spears last year.