Iron sharpens iron. 

It is a commonly used phrase, especially by coaches. 

The Cowboys hope their acquisitions this offseason will lead to much more competition. 

And victories.

As McNeese State begins training camp, there is a full roster of players for the first time in Gary Goff’s three-year tenure as head coach. Fifty-seven are newcomers, meaning this team will have battles all over the field for playing time.

“We got some dudes at a couple of spots, there is competition everywhere,” said defensive back Levi Wyatt. “We got dogs at every position so there is going to be competition throughout the whole fall camp.”

Wyatt, a junior, is one of three McNeese players who were voted onto the Southland Conference’s preseason teams. He was named to the second team while linebacker Micah Davey and offensive guard Cole Leclair were selected to the first team.

All three talked about the improved depth and level of talent on this year’s club.

“Competition is how it should be,” said Davey, who led the FCS in tackles last season. For Leclair, his offensive line is better, and so is the defensive line they work against. That, he believes, will make both lines that much better.

“We are much improved everywhere from last year,” said Leclair. “Those guys we face every day are tough and make us work. We are very excited to get at it.”. 

In past years Goff has even had to stop practices to give players rest as he didn’t have enough to keep workouts running full speed.

“It is great to have depth,” said Goff. “We have a great roster, but we have a lot of work to do. Guys have to learn their assignments, but we are excited.”

Along with the depth has come a lot more talent, giving Goff and his staff options and the attention of his players.

“A coach’s best friend is competition,” Goff said. “We got some really good competition. Competition makes us better.

“That was much needed. I feel like we have addressed a lot of areas on our roster.”

The Cowboys will add shoulder pads to their practices on Friday and Saturday before starting full-pad workouts Monday.

McNeese started camp a week early this year after moving its opening game at Tarleton State to Week Zero. The Cowboys will open their 12-game schedule against the Texans on Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

Tarleton beat McNeese to open last season in Lake Charles, 52-34 after the two teams were tied at 17 at halftime. 

The Cowboys will play their first home game the following week against Southern in Cowboy Stadium. McNeese has never lost to the Jaguars in three previous meetings.