For UB Head Coach Lance Leipold and his staff, this spring doesn’t feel the same as it has in years past, but for a pretty good reason.

“It’s different than our first three spring because of the depth, experience and understanding of what we’re going to do here,” he said Wednesday as the team wrapped up their 10^th practice of the spring at the Bills’ practice facility in Orchard Park.

“Now we’re working on building depth and competition within the positions. I’m really happy with how our guys have embraced that and their work ethic, and the things we’re trying to improve on within the offense and defense and special teams. We’ve put in great emphasis fundamentally to be better there and I like where we are at.”

Although they were bowl eligible a year ago and left out of the postseason, the Bulls have a chance to get back to that mark and even surpass it.

They return 14 starters from last season, including starting quarterback Tyree Jackson, receiver Anthony Johnson and linebacker Khalil Hodge.

“There is always room for improvement, no matter how much success or little success, there is always room for improvement,” Jackson said.  “That’s the big thing our coach preaches to us in the quarterback room and as an offense.”

“6-6 was cool, but that’s not really our goal,” added Hodge.  “Our goal is to get to the MAC Championship to be honest, and a bowl game comes with it and that’s what we’re looking for.”

The Bulls’ spring game is scheduled for Friday, April 13, at UB Stadium.