Looking to transform the Cowboys from cannon fodder to firing the cannons themselves, Gary Goff gave the McNeese State roster an extreme makeover.

Fifty-seven new players were brought to campus looking to change the fortunes of the once-elite program that has seen better days.

McNeese has gone three consecutive seasons without a winning record, something not normal in these parts. In fact, only once before in program history. The Cowboys haven’t been to the playoffs since 2015 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2002.

That was before a good portion of this roster was born.

However, will all the changes and newcomers there is a fresh buzz about the program as the Cowboys look to make a run back into the Southland Conference championship talk.

“We are on the right path,” Goff said. “We are light-years ahead of last season. We are excited to get going.”

Goff is trying to bring back the glory days.

“I remember coming here when I was a kid, sitting in ‘The Hole’ and seeing all the fans,” said senior linebacker Brayden Adams, a Lake Charles product. “I want to be a part of bringing that back. I believe this team is ready for a big year.”

Adams is one of four seniors on the roster, meaning the Cowboys are not only full of new players but also young. That doesn’t mean the expectations are any lower.

“Sometimes being a young team can be dangerous,” Goff said. “They don’t know yet what they can’t do. And if they get off to a hot start, then they can really build on the momentum.”

Last year the Cowboys lost seven of their first eight games before winning their final three to finish 4-7. Over the last three seasons, McNeese is 11-18.

If those numbers are to be flipped it will start at quarterback. Goff won’t name his starter, but it likely will be transfer Nate Glantz, however, you can expect to see Tre’ Simmons as well. Both had impressive camps, Goff said.

Glantz is a former junior college national player of the year who has been solid in two scrimmages. Simmons is a Division II transfer who can run and pass.

“They are both very good football players,” Goff said. “We know the direction we are going in and they have been told. I just don’t have to say yet.”

Both are an upgrade from last year.

D’angelo Durham says he is fully recovered from a leg injury that limited him to four games last season when he was averaging more than 9 yards a carry.

“I’m ready to go,” Durham said. “I learned a lot from watching last year. I learned how much I missed the game.”

Durham leads a run attack that should be good with the addition of Colby Hamm, who started his college career at Air Force.

“I think we have some guys back there who can do a lot of things for us,” Goff said.

McNeese looks most improved on the outside, where 13 new players were brought in to catch the football. Ironically, it is two returning players, Jon McCall and Aalah Brown, who have been most impressive in camp.

McCall had four touchdown catches over the two scrimmages to top all receivers.

“I feel good in this offense right now,” McCall said. “The competition in the receiver room has made us all better.”

As has an improved offensive line, led by preseason all-Southland Conference guards Dylan Dauzart (6-3, 309) and Cole LeClair (6-3, 306). Better depth and a year in the weight room should also benefit the line.

On defense, Adams and Micah Davey will lead the linebackers. Davey ended last season with 68 tackles (38 solo), including eight for 53 yards in losses. He had one sack and two forced fumbles to go with his touchdown.

His 18 tackles in the season finale against Lamar, his lone start, showed the promise of the redshirt sophomore.

“I think Micah is set for a breakout season,” Goff said. “He has looked real good.”

The line added size and depth with Dominick Bolden from junior college and (6-7, 350) Trey Winters moving over from the offensive line. Goff also pointed out the development of sophomores Masey Lewis and Welland Williams as big pluses.

As for the secondary, McNeese hit the junior colleges and NCAA transfer portal for help. Levi Wyatt, Boogsie Silvera and Javon Davis should help settle down that group.

Crajaun Bennett should benefit from forced playing time last year.

The kicking game is set with Garrison Smith as the placekicker. He hit on 10 of his 11 field goal tries and all 25 extra points.

Callum Eddings will do the punting.

MCNEESE DEPTH CHART

Offense

Pos. Player

WR Jon McCall

WR Aalah Brown

WR Tyronne Hayes

QB Nate Glantz

RB D’angelo Durham

TE Kyle Klink

LT Hezekiah Neason

RG Cole LeClair

C David Duvall

LG Dylan Dauzart

LT Elijah Melendez

PK Garrison Smith

LS Trey Vondenstein

Defense

Pos. Player

DB Levi Wyatt

DB Boogsie Silvera

DB Javon Davis

DB Crajaun Bennett

DB Johnquai Lewis

LB Micah Davey

LB Brayden Adams

DE Grayson Mays

DT Welland Williams

DT Earenest Grayson

DE Masey Lewis

P Callum Eddings