Storrs — They could detect a different feeling around the UConn football program on the first day of spring workouts Tuesday.

The Huskies noticed something has clearly changed for the better with Randy Edsall in charge.

"There's a new energy...," red-shirt senior Junior Joseph said following the workout inside the Shenkman Training Center. "It's just a different feeling. I can't really explain it. When you're used to something for three years and a new staff comes in, you can see the difference just by the vibe and everything like that."

The Huskies are eager to experience success after suffering through three straight losing seasons and a combined 11-26 record under Bob Diaco's guidance. They earned a bowl berth in 2015 but followed that up with a dismal 3-9 mark that cost Diaco his job.

Edsall already has injected some much-needed energy and enthusiasm into the program since being hired for his second head coaching stint in Storrs in late December.

"It's not fake," red-shirt senior Tommy Myers said. "It's real energy and real passion. We're ready to come to this building every single day. Just excited to be here. That's really what it is and what it's all about. We've come together as a team and I feel big things coming."

The long journey back to respectability is just beginning.

It will take time for Edsall and his coaching staff to implement a new system on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He'd like his players to know the base offense and base defense inside and out by the end of the spring.

The right attitude is there, according to Edsall.

"I think these kids really want to win," Edsall said. "I think they really want to do whatever we want them to do to help them win. I've seen that since we got here. They want to do what's right. ... When you have that kind of an attitude, you've got a chance."

Tuesday's workout, the first of 15 during the spring season, was a good start.

As expected at this early stage, the Huskies lack the consistency and execution that Edsall demands from his team.

"The effort was good and the kids really worked," Edsall said. "They ran to the ball pretty well defensively. Offensively, they picked up the tempo. It's not where we want it to be yet. ... We've still got a lot of work to do. We're not going to be the finished product by the end of 15 (practice) days. My thing now is I want to be able to see improvement as we go every practice."

Edsall has a proven track record at UConn.

From 1999 to 2000, Edsall guided the Huskies through a successful transition to Division I and earned five bowl appearances, including a trip to the Fiesta Bowl, before bolting for the Maryland job.

For some UConn football veterans, Edsall will be their fourth head coach, counting interim coach T.J. Weist who took over for fired Paul Pasqualoni during 2013 season, that they've played for in Storrs.

But is it a welcomed change.

"It's getting to be like a tradition now," Myers said. "I'm very excited. This is a perfect fit for everybody here. We're ready to go."

Edsall is happy with how the players have handled the transition.

"I've been impressed so far," Edsall said. "They've done the things that we're asking them to do through the winter conditioning and lifting session. They've worked hard. They've attempted to do the things the way we want them done and do it with enthusiasm and energy.

"Now, as we got out there (Tuesday), they were excited to finally get out on the field and learn the new system. That's one thing that I have been impressed with is their ability to adapt and buy into what we want done. ... Now it's just a matter of keep getting better with fundamentals and techniques."

Workouts will culminate with the annual spring game on Friday, April 21 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

g.keefe@theday.com