JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- The Carson-Newman football team wrapped up its third day of preseason practice on Saturday morning.

The Eagles went to work for two hours in shoulder pads and helmets, and despite it being early in the process, Eagle head coach Ken Sparks has been pleased with what he has seen from his squad.

"We've had really good effort," said Sparks, who is in his 30th year at the helm of the C-N program. "I haven't heard many excuses. They are working at it and are trying to grow and are trying to be a team. If you've got that, how can you complain? We've got a lot of slow learning going on, but it's exciting to see their attitude and their effort."

Even though the team has responded well through the first few days of camp, Sparks knows the players are looking forward Monday morning, when they get to don full pads for the first time this preseason.

"We haven't got to play tackle football yet," Sparks said. "We get to start that Monday. They are ready to get after it, and I'm encouraged by that."

The team will go through teambuilding activities on Sunday, as the players and coaches will go to church together in the morning at First Baptist Church in Morristown before spending the afternoon on Cherokee Lake. The Eagles will close out the day with a practice in shoulder pads and helmets.

C-N will begin the week in full pads on Monday morning and will hold full scrimmages on Friday and Saturday. The Eagles open the season on Aug. 27 at Winona State (Minn.) at 8 p.m.