By Dylan Edwards, SMUMustangs.com

DALLAS (SMU) - Sonny Dykes' transition to the head coach of the SMU Mustangs over the past few months has been especially hectic, with an early signing period and signing day on top of becoming familiar with his new team. For the last week though, it's been back to football as the Mustangs hit the practice fields for the first week of spring practice.

"We've made big improvements in the physical presence that we've had (over the first week)," Dykes said. "We're playing with better pad level and trying to be more physical while competing harder. We made a big improvement from Saturday to Monday, and I felt like we continued the upward momentum."

That emphasis on being physical began during the winter, as the players have benefited from new strength and conditioning plan implemented by Kaz Kazadi, the Assistant A.D. for Human Performance.

"The entire offensive line was a group we put a lot of pressure on," Dykes said. "We felt like we needed to get bigger and more physical. I've been impressed with those guys. Our young group of receivers are getting stronger and more physical. Our defensive backs are probably the biggest position, corners especially. We had too many guys that were too light and couldn't stay healthy. It's going to allow them to stay healthy, practice more physically, and help us become a better tackling football team."

The first week of practice has had a main focus on implementing fundamentals more than an overwhelming amount of new scheme.

"We've tried to be intentionally physical," Dykes said. "We're trying to teach a lot of technique and a lot of fundamentals. If you get good at those, you can reduce your scheme. That's what we need to do, as well as make more routine plays. To be a good team, you have to become a team that can make routine plays."

The first week has also allowed Dykes and his staff to continue to build their relationship with their players. On top of that, Dykes has finally had an opportunity to move into his new home after working almost non-stop over the past few months since taking the job.

"I'm moving into my house this week, and we can start getting the players over and hanging around the facility more," Dykes said. "Kids now will do anything in the world for you if they know you care about them off the field and that you have their best interests in mind. As we get to know each other, that's a relationship that will start to develop, and there can be a trust factor between us."