HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Game week officially began Monday for Alabama A&M.

While the Bulldogs began preparing for their season opener against Hampton more than a week ago, A&M coach Anthony Jones and a few selected players met with the media Monday to talk about the Pirates.

One thing that emerged from the media session is that Jones likes his football team.

"My football team is very excited about this season," said Jones, who is entering his 10th year with the Bulldogs. "They've worked hard from the word go and they're excited about this opportunity. They have a special feeling about one another. Where will it take us? Only time will tell. I really like this football team right now."

There is a lot to like.

Offensively, quarterback Deaunte Mason, who led A&M to the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game in 2009, is entering his third season as a starter. Running back Kaderius Lacey is back after finishing fifth in the league in rushing. G'Alonzo Milton was among the top receivers in the league a year ago, while offensive lineman Jamaal Johnson-Webb and Joaquenssi Eugene are All-SWAC caliber players.

Defensively, ends Corey Hart and Melvin Payne, a pair of Division I transfers, should be significant upgrades from last season. Inside linebacker Willie Fuller is a first-team All-SWAC preseason pick, while outside linebacker Vernon Marshall and free safety Rico Porch are seasoned veterans in the secondary. Punter/placekicker Chance Wilson was a preseason All-SWAC selection.

"We've got more playmakers this year," Jones said. "We've got more speed at the skill positions. It's probably the fastest team we've had since we won the championship. Defensively, we've added some guys we feel will make us better. I don't know how many games we're going to win.

"We'll gauge where we are at the end of the season, but right now our goal is to play the best game we can play on Sept. 3 and constantly try to improve. That's our goal."

Mason says last year's 3-8 finish is fueling this team.

"There's a different feeling around here," he said. "I think this team can do a lot of great things. I can tell from my teammates that everybody has a different mentality coming into this season than last year."

While Jones is excited about his team, he understands the Bulldogs have to play a high level week in and week out to be successful.

"Do we feel like we have a chance of winning all of our games?," he asked. "Of course we do. Do we feel like we have a chance of losing them all? Absolutely. That's why we've got to show up each and every week and put forth our best effort. If we don't, we'll be very disappointed. If we do, we'll be pleased with our effort."

The ultimate goal, Jones says, is to win the SWAC championship. However, he says A&M must take steps to get there.

"Our first goal is to be the best football team we can be," he said. "Our second goal is to make it to the championship game. Our third goal is to win the championship. But we've got to take steps to be the best football team we can be before we start worrying about those other things down the road."