San Jose State completed its first week of 2013 spring football practice with the team in full pads for the first time.

While practice was taking place, former Spartans David Quessenberry and Ryan Otten were in Indianapolis for the 2013 NFL Combine activities.  Click here for news from the Combine.

Defensive back Ronnie Yell (2009-12), offensive tackle John Aimonetti (1982-86) , safety Tanner Burns (2008-09) and end Ron DeMonner (1962-63) were among the former Spartans spotted at the third practice of the spring.

Following the conclusion of practice, quarterbacks David Fales and Austen Fales took turns throwing footballs 35 yards at stationary four-feet high plastic garbage barrels. Each of them hit their target more than once.

Offensive guards Nicholas Kaspar and Ryan Jones, who did not participate in contact drills, worked out together afterwards, too, on their blocking fundamentals.

The Spartans return to the practice field, Tuesday, February 26, 9:00 a.m. The team will practice Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during week two. The first scrimmage will be Saturday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m.

Head coach Ron Caragher

"...I've seen a nice progression the last three days. We finished today - our first day in pads and I'm pleased with what I've seen. The guys are hungry. They are anxious. They want to be good. They want to get on the same page. I'm very encouraged.

"There is some confusion among the players, but that is expected with a new coaching staff and new schemes offensively and defensively. It's understandable and the big thing is we will make mistakes, but we want to learn from them. We want to learn from them and grow from them so they are not repetitive mistakes.

"I think the guys are making nice strides from day one to now.

"We have a great group of young men - upbeat and positive and hungry. I told the team we are building a foundation and it starts one stone and one brick at a time. Putting those things together, builds a foundation for a successful season."

Defensive lineman Travis Raciti

"There was a lot of energy (today - February 23). It was electrifying out here with the new coaches and the youthful energy they bring. We were running around and getting after it, banging up on each other. It was fun.

"For us guys who back (in the defensive line), we're keeping Foloi Vae in the middle. That's not too much of a difference for him. For Tony Popovich and me, we're playing as defensive ends now instead of as defensive tackles. We're trying to get adjusted to it and figure out the little things to make you great. We've been talking with Travis Johnson. He's been giving us tips here and there about what we can do to be the best we possibly can be.

"It's exciting out here and I encourage everybody to come out (and watch practice)."