CEDAR CITY, Utah -- With Spring Football wrapping up on Saturday, senior center Zach Larsen talked about how the team has improved through the spring and what the plan is moving forward.

Q: How have the last couple weeks been and where have you seen this team grow?

A: I've loved seeing the competition level increase, I'd say that's probably the biggest thing I've seen from both the offense and the defense. Coach Brandon Fisher is hyping up the defense, they're bringing energy every practice and I love to see that. The offense has been responding to that energy, and overall the increased energy levels have been big.  

Q: This time around you were one of the old guys out here at spring practice. What's that whole experience been like for you?

A: It's crazy that it's my senior year, it's hard to believe it's gone this fast, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love SUU, I'm glad that I can be in this position to lead this team and I hope I can help them out any way I can.  

Q: Chris Helbig came back for the spring out here, how has it been working with him again for the past couple weeks?

A: I love Chris, he's a natural born leader. He's not the most talkative guy, but when he's out there playing he gets you hyped. He's got that energy, he's got that nasty, mean, quarterback mentality to talk crap to the defense or do what's necessary to get the offense going. He's just a great leader.

Q: You guys are blocking for a pretty good group of running backs. What's your assessment on that unit to this point?

A: It's great to see James Felila back, he was injured for the later half of last season so it's awesome to block for him. I love having him behind me because I know we'll block our guys and he'll get past at least one guy, so it's good to have him back. Jay Green Jr. has been doing great and it's nice to have his quickness back. There's a ton of awesome running backs. Karris Davis has been doing really good, he'll always break a tackle, and Lelon Dillard has been doing great. It's nice to see all those guys playing to the best of their abilities.

Q: You mentioned it a little bit, but how has it been going against the defense coach Fisher has been installing?

A: It's been pretty crazy. Some of the looks he's been giving us have really helped the o-line work together and get better with our communication on blitzes and blitz pick up. It's been awesome to have him on the defensive side to help us with our communication and continue to develop as an offensive line.

Q: Saturday will be the Spring Game, and you guys always do a great job involving the community. What does Cedar City and T-Bird Nation mean to this group?

A: I love it. Cedar City is awesome. They're always here supporting us, and I love seeing all the fans. I wouldn't have it any other way. Cedar City always has our backs and it's so fun to have everyone come out and enjoy the time with them.

Q: When spring ball ends, how long before you start getting antsy for fall camp?

A: Right away, shoot I'm already antsy for fall camp. It can't come soon enough. I can't wait to get into summer training and soon enough fall camp will be here.

SUU's annual Spring Game is scheduled for April 13 at 10 a.m.

Season tickets for the upcoming football campaign are available on www.tbirdtickets.com or at the America First Event Center Ticket Office.

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