JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman football finds itself exactly one week away from its annual spring game.  In that week, Eagle head coach Ken Sparks looks for players to sure up leadership positions.

The Eagles must replace player committee members Brandon Haywood, Kevin Day and Zack Fleming.

"We have already had 24 guys who have had chances to serve in leadership positions," Sparks said. "We're working on that.  We still have work to do there.  The good thing about this football team is that the mainframe is good people."

Sparks often cited leadership and heart as reasons for Carson-Newman's success during the 2012 season.

The Eagles led the nation in rushing last year and made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs before falling to eventual national champion Valdosta State.

"The majority is good kids and they want to be part of something special.  We've got a handful that need to grow up, but we all need to grow up and I do too," Sparks said.

Random Notes:

The team attended services at New Market Baptist Church Sunday. 

"Anytime you worship together it draws you together," Sparks said. "And that's what we're trying to do, become one heartbeat one voice.

"The folks at New Market were unbelievable.  The sermon was great, so was the fellowship.  The food was out of site.  A lot of our guys I think will be back there this Sunday." 

-CN-