Wide receivers and some new faces have impressed Eastern Michigan football coach Ron English after just 10 practices.

English, talking with EMU assistant director of media relations Greg Steiner, offered his first impressions of the Eagles, who are coming off a 2-10 season and entering their third season with English.

"The receivers are really playing well," English told Steiner. "We have some numbers there. I really like the freshmen; they're good players. Just playing so much faster, the receivers, with a lot more confidence, and they know what they're doing."

English singled out former high school teammates Darius Scott and Demarius Reed, both from Chicago's Simeon Academy, as freshmen who have already impressed him.

Freshmen tight ends Dylan Brooks (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) and Tyreese Russell (6-3, 216) also stand out to English.

"They're getting better every single day," English said. "And they're going to be big kids, they really are."

English has mixed some two-a-days into his practices and he expects to have a few more this week, and he likes that they are a challenge to his players.

"I do think there is still some merit to two-a-days," English said. "Because it’s hard to come out here the second practice. Their bodies are sore. And their minds are sore, if you will."