McNeese State Cowboys

By Grant Chachere

All Photos Courtesy of McNeese State University Athletics

McNeese Head Coach Gary Goff

Outlook

McNeese State head coach Gary Goff enters his second year as the head coach. In Goff's first season, the Cowboys were 1-7 going into its final three games but they managed to win them all to finish 4-7. Before that three-game winning streak, McNeese State lost their previous two games by five points or less.

McNeese State should be the most improved team in the Southland Conference. I think their offense will improve under Goff’s Air Raid passing scheme which was highly effective while he was the head coach at Valdosta State where he led the Blazers to a Division II National Championship appearance in 2021. Plus, the way the Cowboys finished last season, I believe they will shock some people.

McNeese State RB D'angelo Durham

Offense

McNeese State will have two capable quarterbacks in Iowa State transfer Nate Glantz (6-0, 189, So.) and Tusculum University transfer Tre Simmons (6-0, 175, Jr.).

The Cowboys will lose their leading rusher from last season Deonta McMahon who rushed for 1,433 yards and 12 touchdowns. This season, McNeese State will rotate between three running backs D’Angelo Durham, Coleby Hamm and Cam Thomas.

At wide receiver, the Cowboys have Jon McCall (6-3, 189, Jr.), Jonathan Harris (6-0, 170, Jr.), Jalen Johnson (5-9, 176, Jr.) and Jhad Marks (6-1, 210, Jr.).

On the offensive line, the Cowboys return All-Conference linemen Cole Leclair (6-3, 306, Jr.) and Dylan Dauzart (6-3, 309, Jr.).

McNeese State LB Brayden Adams

Defense

On the defensive line, the Cowboys return All-Conference defensive lineman Welland Williams (6-1, 285, R-Jr.). The defensive line also includes Earenest Grayson (6-3, 254, R-Jr.), Trey Winters (6-7, 350, So.) and Khylon Chapple (6-3, 248, R-Jr.).

McNeese State DE Earenest Grayson

At linebacker, the Cowboys return bring back Micah Davey (6-2, 239, R-So.) who had 68 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one sack. The linebacker spot also has Brayden Adams (6-2, 215, R-Sr.).

In the defensive backfield, the starting corners will be Javon Davis (6-0, 177, So.) and Levi Wyatt (6-1, 187, So.). The starting safeties will be Jaylen Jackson (6-0, 200, Sr.), true freshman Boogsie Silvera (5-11, 186) and Johnquai Lewis (6-2, 176, Jr.).

McNeese State Kicker Garrison Smith

Special Teams

At kicker, All-Conference perfomer Garrison Smith is back as the starting kicker. Callum Eddings will handle the punting duties.

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