Eastern Michigan football coach Ron English likes what he’s seeing - and hearing - during spring practice. At 2 p.m. today, fans can see and hear for themselves when the Eagles play their spring game at Rynearson Stadium.

“We’re seeing a lot more physical football team, a lot louder contact on a consistent basis,” English said in a spring practice interview with EMUEagles.com.

English said the Eagles, who had the 37th-best rushing attack in the nation last season, continue to perform well in that area. The most glaring area of improvement is a defense that allowed 454 yards per game while Eastern finished the season with a 2-10 record.

Five junior college transfers in the 2011 recruiting class, all defensive players, are already enrolled at the school and participating in practice. Two more juco players will be among the new recruits that report later this summer.

The spring game is free and open to the public. After the game, players and coaches will be available on the field for autographs and photographs.