Northwestern State University Demon football is coming sooner rather than later, and for this seasoned veteran, there’s a lot to look forward to in his last season.

NSU football’s senior wide receiver Gavin Landry reflects on his college career and the challenges of being a student athlete.

“It took some time to just think about everything that I’ve overcome and been through since I got here in 2016,” Landry said. “My ultimate goal in my last year is just to leave NSU better than I found it.”

Gavin, a southern Louisiana native hailing 30 minutes south of Baton Rouge, said he had to help rebuild this team once he reached Northwestern State, and the progress definitely showed.

“In 2016, we went 1-10. So, we built some things since I got here, but kind of looking to get over that hump of not being able to finish games,” Gavin Landry said.

Landry quoted Rashad Jackson, NSU football special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach, “winning is hard, and it’s a really tough thing to do.”

Adversity was a big hump for this special teams player, especially with being a walk-on in 2016. Through it all, Gavin’s work ethic was stronger than the adversity he faced.

“I remember having to film my first fall camp,” Gavin Landry said. “It was just kind of a unique situation and everything I’ve had to overcome.”

Landry’s accolades prove his excellence on and off the field; Southland Conference Commissioner Fall Honor Roll from 2016-2021, a National Football Championship Subdivision Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award finalist and Spring All-Academic Southland Conference wide receiver, to name a few.

Gavin’s word of advice to overcoming adversity: perseverance.

“I truly believe when you just show up and try to outwork everyone, ultimately people just tend to get luckier and I’ve had the cards fall into place,” Gavin Landry said.

When asked about the first game against the North Texas Mean Green, Landry said the Demons are ready to compete and win a football game.

“We’re continuing to stack days on top of days and ultimately get there and enjoy the experience,” Gavin said. “But like I said, we’re going there to play football and I don’t view it any other way. It’s just another game.”

Landry and Northwestern State football look forward to getting the season rolling, while also taking it “day by day” as they take on the North Texas Mean Green on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. Central time. The game will be live on ESPN 3.