Northwestern State University football is fired up and ready for the season ahead.

Spring practice began on March 9, giving the Demons the ability to use a football during practice. A couple of additions to the coaching staff, Offensive Coordinator Cody Crill and Defensive Coordinator, plus four others integrated, and better weather in Harry Turpin Stadium gives Northwestern State University of Louisiana 14 practices left before the Joe Delaney Bowl on April 9.

Head Coach Brad Laird is entering his fifth season with the Demons.

“It’s as important a spring practice as we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Laird said. “For our guys, it’s one thing to be in a meeting setting. It’s another thing to be on the field and to be able to walk through things.”

Laird said the pieces in and around the team have changed since the Demons took the win over McNeese in their last game of the season: their first win in Lake Charles since 1988. Laird said there have been coaching changes through all three phases of the game (offense, defense, special teams).

“To be able to put the ball down and have 15 good days of practice and finish with the spring game on April 9, we’re excited and ready to see our guys in action,” Laird said.

The first spring practice was an eye-opening and fast-paced experience, one that Laird mentioned would take place to prepare for the season. Playing fast and physical has been the theme, as well as #LinkItUp, which the team used on a social media post on Monday, March 7.

Names like senior linebacker Isaiah Longino are excited to see where the team is headed when September comes around.

“Just appreciate the moment,” Longino said.

Longino and the Demons will see new faces in the upcoming schedule. The first game will fly NSU out northeast to play its Big Sky Conference opponent the University of Montana Grizzlies, then to Shreveport at a neutral site where the Demons will face off against Grambling State University.

But for now, NSU will prepare in the chilly months of March and April before September arrives and bring Turpin to life again.