VIDEO: See the first day of camp through quarterback De'Andre Thomas' eyes

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman football broke camp with a 10:30 a.m. practice for the 36^th season under legendary head coach Ken Sparks. 

"My expectations are that we will have an exciting year," Sparks said. "I love the combination we have.  We have some veterans and some young guys.  I think we've got talent to work with."  

The Eagles return numerous key components on offense including 80 percent of the offensive line and a quarterback in De'Andre Thomas (Milledgeville, Ga.) who has started 23 straight games and stands poised to become the school's all-time record holder for total offense in a career.

However, it's finding consistency along the defensive front seven and in the kicking game that has Sparks most excited.

"I refuse to say we're young," Sparks said. "I refuse to let that be an excuse. Instead, we're going to be exciting.  It's exciting that there's competition. It's exciting that we give our lives here to love and serve the Lord and do it through the laboratory of learning that is a football field."

Carson-Newman is in shells for the first few days of camp before building up to a full-contact scrimmage on Media Day, Aug. 18 at 7:30 a.m.