PHOTO GALLERY

March 27, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - The weather finally feels like it and now that the Fordham University football squad has hit the practice field, it's officially spring! Head coach Tom Masella sent the squad through a spirited workout, the first of 15 allowable practices per NCAA regulations, on Murphy Field this morning. The Rams will close out the spring practices with their annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 25th at 11:00 a.m.

The squad was able to don their helmets and work out some of the kinks from the offseason and three new assistant coaches were able to see their new players in action.

"I think the team did a great job today," said Masella. "I really liked their enthusiasm and energy today. It was a great start to the spring season."

Three new assistant coaches, defensive line coach Malik Hall, offensive line coach Ed Morrissey and running backs coach John Wholley were able to run their troops through different drills while newly promoted coordinators Bryan Volk (offensive) and Patrick Moore (defensive) directed their units for the first time.

The Rams went through positional and special teams drills over the first and wrapped up the session with offense versus defense drives.

The offense was led by record-setting quarterback John Skelton, who became the school's all-time leader passer last year, along with running back Xavier Martin, who became the sixth Ram to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season last fall.

The offensive also welcomed back wide receiver Asa Lucas, who led the Rams last year with 36 catches for 449 yards and three touchdowns despite missing the last five games due to injury.

Defensively, the Rams were led into the first spring practice by three returning starters at both the linebacking and defensive backfield spots. Andre Delaire, who led the Rams with 71 total tackles last year, leads the returning linebackers along with James Crockett (67 total tackles, 39 solo, including 7.5 for loss and two sacks) and Nicholas Magiera, who was second on the team last year with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

In the defensive backfield, Isiejah Allen, who led the team with six pass deflections, and Jamal Haruna are back along with Bryson Wilson.

The Rams continue spring practice on Saturday, March 28th, at 10:00 a.m.