HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University football team, under the direction of second-year head coach Donovan Rose, will hold its annual spring game on Friday at Armstrong Stadium at 5 p.m.

The game will be free and open to the public.

The game will give fans their first look at a new offense, installed by new offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss. Kaiss is beginning his second stint at Hampton; he served as offensive coordinator for the Pirates from 2001-06 before returning to Tennessee State.

“There's been a lot of teaching, a lot of correcting so far (in spring practices),” Rose said. “We're trying some new things, installing a new offense. We'll have a spread, but there'll be more balance to it.

“We want to have a multi-faceted offense.”

The defense will look much the same, even with the promotion of Keith Goganious from linebackers coach to defense coordinator. With spring practices in full swing, Rose said the goal was to “keep it simple for now.”

The spring game will mark Hampton's 12th spring practice; their final practice will be on Thursday, April 8.

The Pirates, who went 5-6 in 2009, will open the regular season on Sept. 2, when they head to Mount Pleasant, Mich. to take on Central Michigan. For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.