The McNeese State football team recently completed its first full week of August practice, and there has been no shortage of story lines coming out of camp. 

Let’s take a look at some of those story lines as the Cowboys quickly approach their Aug. 31 season opener at Nicholls State.

Revitalized and replenished defense:It’s no secret that the defense struggled last season, particularly in the secondary. 

The Cowboys gave up a large number of big plays, at least one of which cost them a shot at a win at Southeastern Louisiana. 

And those who played on that defense would be the first to admit they didn’t play up to their potential. “You could call it a redemption year,” said senior defensive back Andre Fuller. “We’re really just bouncing back.”

Head coach Lance Guidry, who in February took back the role of defensive coordinator, called last season a substandard season, which is one reason he brought back the Defense With Attitude moniker and the jerseys with the DWA acronym on them indicating players getting first-team reps during drills at practice. 

Guidry also added a number of transfers to give the secondary depth. 

In addition to staples like seniors Jermaine Antoine and Dominique Hill, the Cowboys also have solid options in junior college transfers Kyree McLean and B.J. Blunt, redshirt freshman Darion Dunn and Central Florida transfer Brandon Scott. 

All of these guys have received significant reps in varying positions in the defensive secondary and looked primed to become a part of the rotation. 

Not only that, but the defensive unit just seems to click more than last year’s edition, likely due to Guidry’s influence and first-year strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders.

“We’ve come together closer as a team,” said junior defensive end Chris Livings. “We’re starting to take more accountability during practice and during workouts. If you see somebody not giving it all, you have to get on them, because if they’re not giving it all in practice, it’s going to transfer over to the game.”

Offensive line still a question mark:  Frankly, gauging how effective the Cowboys’ front line will fare will prove difficult until the season starts.

Guidry has them attempting to defend quarterback James Tabary against a litany of blitz packages and offensive line coach Ben Norton has been working with the unit extensively early on during camp. 

McNeese returns two experienced linemen in Jimmy Converse, who started every game at right guard last season and Joe Jenkins, who started every game at right tackle. 

Jenkins has remained in his position on the right edge, but Converse has been getting snaps at center. 

“Norton is a great coach, and he knows how to make his guys better and tell them what to look for,” Guidry said. “Still, it’s hard. Going from the field and the board and bringing out (to practice) is hard. But he’ll get them right. I promise you we’ll have a good offensive line this year.”

A big question mark heading into the season is what the Cowboys will do with LSU transfer Andy Dodd, who backed up All-American center Jared Poche. 

He is yet to receive many reps with the first team and has been working at right guard. 

Running Backs stepping up:Guidry said he doesn’t believe running back Ryan Ross will see the field this season due to an ankle injury suffered during the annual Blue and Gold spring football game in April. 

Ross led the Cowboys in rushing last season and his brother Lawayne Ross was moved to tight end, but their absence doesn’t leave McNeese without solid options in the backfield. 

Sophomore Justin Pratt and junior David Hamm could prove to be an interesting and effective duo at the half back position because of their contrasting running styles. 

Pratt serves as a speedster who does serious damage if he gets around the corner, and Hamm can barrel through pretty much any defender that gets in his way once he gets past the line of scrimmage. 

“We’re feeling comfortable right now,” Hamm said. “Whatever the coaches need or wherever they need me to be, I’ll be there. We bought into the system and I feel very confident with the progress we made this summer.”

Tyler Nunez covers McNeese State athletics. Email him at tnunez@americanpress.com