Spring Football Practice Opens Friday
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona football team will conduct its spring practice starting Friday, March 26 with the first of 15 workouts over the next 30 days. The Lumberjacks will host their spring game at Coconino High School on Cromer Field at 11:30 a.m. on April 24.
“It is exciting for the reasons we have so many returning players and a consistent coaching staff in place,” said Head Coach Jerome Souers, who is entering his 13th season. “Anytime you can put that kind of continuity together you are going to improve.”
Souers enters the spring with his entire coaching staff back to coach a roster that welcomes back 79 players and 46 returning lettermen. Overall, NAU returns 12 starters from last season, including seven on defense and five on offense.
NAU finished the season 5-6 and tied for fifth in the Big Sky Conference. The Lumberjacks were ranked as high as No. 21 by The Sports Network FCS College Football poll during the season.
“Last year was a tough year,” said Souers. “We were so close in so many ways to finish at 5-6 was really disappointing. But I have never sensed any doubt that we are not going in the right direction from our players and our coaches.”
NAU was one of three FCS schools that played two FBS schools last season (Arizona, Ole Miss) that both went to a bowl game in 2008 and won the bowl game. NAU ranked among the national leaders on offense, ranking fifth in the country in total and passing offense and ninth in passing efficiency. Quarterback Michael Herrick finished among the top 10 finalists for the Walter Payton Award.
Souers credits the work by the student-athletes under the direction of the strength and conditioning coaches in the weight room to a highly anticipated spring.
“Now we get a chance to get to the field and bring the football team further along and set the stage for summer and fall camp is going to look like,” said Souers. “Our number one emphasis is we are going to continue to work on is our team chemistry.”
NAU Spring Football Practice Schedule
Friday, March 26, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 27, 11-1:20 p.m.
Tuesday, March 30, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Thursday, April 1, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Friday, April 2, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 6, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Thursday, April 8, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 10, 11-1:20 p.m.
Tuesday, April 13, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Thursday, April 15, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 17, 11-1:20 p.m.
Tuesday, April 20, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Thursday, April 22, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Friday, April 23, 3:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 24, 11:30 a.m., Spring Game – Coconino High School
